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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 2Pt. 1Ch. 1.5Art. 2§ 9023 Assembly Session Opening Procedures

§ 9023 Assembly Session Opening Procedures

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 9023 Assembly Session Opening Procedures

Key Takeaways

  • •When the Legislature meets, the Chief Clerk (or the oldest member if the Clerk isn't there) starts the session and checks who's present.
  • •Members must show their certificates, swear an oath, and take their seats.
  • •If the oldest members can't decide who starts the session, the Attorney General or a deputy steps in.
  • •The first thing they do is pick their leaders (like the Speaker), and nothing else happens until that's done—except maybe taking a break or checking if everyone is there.

Example

Imagine it's the first day of school, and the teacher isn't there yet. The oldest kid in class starts roll call and makes sure everyone is in their seat before anything else happens.

Just like that oldest kid, the Chief Clerk or the oldest member makes sure everyone is there and ready before the Legislature can start picking its leaders or doing any real work.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 9023 Assembly Session Opening Procedures

At the day and hour appointed for the assembling of any regular session of the Legislature, the Chief Clerk of the Assembly, or in case of his absence or inability, the senior member elect present, shall take the chair, call the members elect to order, and call over the roll of counties in alphabetical order. As the counties are called the members elect shall present their certificates, take the constitutional oath of office, and assume their seats. If there is more than one senior member elect present and the senior members are unable to agree as to who shall call the session to order, the Attorney General or one of his deputies shall call the session to order. If a quorum is present, the Assembly shall then elect its officers, and there shall be no other business, motion or resolution considered before the election of the Speaker, save and except a motion to adjourn or a motion for a call of the house. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 134.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

resolutionmotionlegislaturechief clerkattorney generalelectioninability

Related Statutes

  • § 9022 Senate Session Opening Procedures
  • § 53181 Integrated Financing District Creation
  • § 53182 Hearing Notice Requirements
  • § 53184 District Establishment Modification
  • § 65030 Land Resource Protection Policy

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 9023.
View Official Source