BILL NUMBER: SB 617	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Harman

                        FEBRUARY 27, 2009

   An act to add Section 387.5 to the Code of Civil Procedure,
relating to civil actions.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 617, as introduced, Harman. Intervention: initiatives.
   Under existing law, upon timely application, any person who has an
interest in the matter in litigation, or in the success of either of
the parties, or an interest against both, may intervene in the
action or proceeding. An intervention takes place when a 3rd person
is permitted to become a party to an action or proceeding between
other persons, as specified.
   This bill would provide that the proponent of a state initiative
statute or constitutional amendment that has been approved by the
voters shall have the right to intervene and participate in any court
action challenging the constitutionality of that initiative statute
or constitutional amendment.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 387.5 is added to the Code of Civil Procedure,
to read:
   387.5.  The proponent of a state initiative statute or
constitutional amendment that has been approved by the voters shall
have the right to intervene and participate in any court action
challenging the constitutionality of that initiative statute or
constitutional amendment.