The green decorative accents of the Speaker of the Assembly’s Office purposefully match the green color palette of the Assembly Chamber. The Speaker presides over the California State Assembly and facilitates communication between the Assembly, other state leaders, and the federal administration in Washington D.C. They are a full member of the Assembly and elected to the office by a majority vote of that body.Â
The Speaker of the Assembly has many duties, including swearing in Assembly Members. They also appoint the Speaker pro Tempore and Assistant Speaker pro Tempore, who may preside over the Assembly in the Speaker’s absence. During floor sessions, the Speaker pro Tempore manages the day’s activities – recognizing members who want to speak, responding to requests for information, and ruling on members’ procedural motions.Â
The Speaker also appoints the Majority Floor Leader from the political party with the greatest membership. The Majority Floor Leader supervises a team of Assembly Members called “floor whips” who assist in instructing and guiding the members of the majority caucus regarding their votes on particular bills and motions. The Majority Floor Leader serves as the primary contact when issues are raised by the minority caucus.Â
Another important responsibility of the Speaker is to appoint the chairpersons and members of the Assembly committees. The Speaker takes great care in choosing each committee member, factoring in political considerations and the candidate’s experience and training. The Speaker of the Assembly, the Speaker pro Tempore, and the Majority Floor Leader work together to review all pending legislation as it leaves these committees to be addressed on the Assembly floor.Â
Electronic voting panels were installed in the upper right-hand corner of each Member’s desk in 1935. Assembly bills must be passed on the Assembly floor by a roll call vote. Resolutions must be passed before they are sent to the Senate for further action. Any Assembly bill that is then amended in the Senate, and any Senate bill that reaches the Assembly, must be addressed and passed on the Assembly floor before it reaches the Governor’s desk.
