SB-699 • 2026

Legislature: constitutional course.

Labor

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Ochoa Bogh
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not specify which entity (Joint Rules Committee or Legislative Counsel Bureau) is responsible for developing and conducting the course.

Constitution Course for Legislators

This law requires all members of the California Legislature and their designated employees to take a class about the United States Constitution and the California Constitution within six months after the start of each regular session.

What This Bill Does

Requires all Members of the California Legislature to attend a course on the U.S. and California Constitutions.
Requires designated employees of the California Legislature to also attend this course.
Sets a time limit of six months from when the Legislature starts its regular session for taking the course.

Who It Names or Affects

Members of the California State Legislature
Designated employees of the California State Legislature

Terms To Know

Constitutional Oath: A promise made by government officials to uphold and follow the laws set out in a country's constitution.
Biennial Session: A session of the legislature that happens every two years.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if someone fails to attend the course.
It is unclear how often these courses will be offered after the initial six-month period.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-13 California Legislative Information
January 13 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.
2026-01-05 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2025-12-23 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing January 13.
2025-05-07 California Legislative Information
May 6 hearing: Testimony taken. Hearing postponed by committee.
2025-04-22 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing May 6.
2025-04-09 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2025-03-26 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.
2025-03-05 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on RLS.
2025-02-24 California Legislative Information
Read first time.
2025-02-24 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 24.
2025-02-21 California Legislative Information
Introduced. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 699, as amended, Ochoa Bogh.
Legislature: constitutional course.
Existing law provides for the administration of the constitutional oath of office and seating of Members of the Legislature at the beginning of any regular session of the Legislature. Existing law requires each Member of the Legislature and each designated employee of the Legislature to attend certain orientation courses conducted by the appropriate legislative ethics committees at least once in each biennial session.
This bill would require
a Member of the Legislature and an employee
all Members and employees
of the Legislature to attend a course regarding the United States Constitution and the California Constitution within 6 months of the convening of
a regular session of the Legislature, except as specified. The bill would require the
Joint Rules Committee
Legislative Counsel Bureau
to develop and conduct the course, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF