Feb. 1 administration trailer bill proposals now online

Advocates and others should let legislators know their views, just as with any other bill proposal

As required by Section 13308 of the Government Code, the Department of Finance has begun to post statutory proposals to implement the Governor’s January 10 budget package. Statutes implementing the budget plan have been known as “trailer bills” since around 1980. The trailer bill website of Finance is here.

The trailer bill website, established as a partnership of Finance and legislative budget committees about a decade ago, emerged to eliminate much of the secrecy previously associated with these proposals. Yet, I find that many advocates and journalists are caught unawares every year about trailer bill proposals that have been online in some form for months prior to enactment.

Advocates and others should let legislators know their views on the administration’s trailer bill proposals throughout the budget subcommittee process this winter and spring, just as they would any legislative bill proposal.