Just Enough and Nothing More

When I heard that an Assemblyman was introducing a resolution to overturn the CA appellate court ruling on homeschooling, I was a little concerned. You know why? I had no idea what a resolution was! Now that I understand what it is, I’m feeling pretty good about it.

The difference between a resolution and a bill. By Debbie Schwarzer, Co-chair Legal Team and Legislative Chair of HSC.

Someone has asked the question, “What’s the difference between a resolution and a bill?”

It’s easy. Resolutions are essentially meaningless. They allow the legislature to recognize people, events, groups, issues without actually making law. We pass a resolution declaring that next Tuesday is Butterfly Day. We pass a resolution to recognize the contribution of worms to the health of California soil. We pass a resolution honoring the sacrifices of armed service members in this or that conflict (I made all those up). We don’t make any laws protecting butterflies, or worms, or providing services to the soldiers, by passing a resolution; it’s just a feel-good measure.

They don’t have the force of law. If passed, they certainly tell the public (and the other members of the legislature) which way the wind is blowing (although, since it’s quite possible that a lot of members might be absent when the vote is taken, or don’t pay a whole lot of attention, you can’t rely on what the roll call says).

Bills are how law is made. They have to be written and sponsored by someone, and they then have to pass both houses after full debate and public hearing before they can be sent to the governor for his signature (and governors often veto bills). This resolution isn’t a bill. It doesn’t mean that there will be a bill. It doesn’t signal what any future bill would look like. All it does is help us get a sense of which legislators are friends of homeschooling, and which aren’t, and it has great value in that.

Thank you, Debbie, for clearing that up!

Related posts:

1. HSC’s Debbie Schwarzer’s Statement on Joel Anderson’s Resolution ACR 115
2. Assemblyman Joel Anderson Introduces Resolution in CA to Reverse Homeschool Ruling (ACR 115)
3. Update on ACR 115 and California Homeschooling from the HSC Board and Legal Team
4. Interview at Homeschool Fun Blog
5. Not Getting Work Done By 3pm