January 1, 2026
2026 CA Legislative Timeline
The California Legislative Timeline is the official schedule of events, key dates, and deadlines for the two-year session, guiding when bills can be introduced, heard, passed, and signed into law, and ensuring transparency and public participation in the process.
January
Legislature Reconvenes 1/5
Governor’s Budget Unveiled
New Legislation Introduced & Prior-Year Bill Deadline 1/31
February
Legislative Budget Hearings
Hearings on New Bills
Bill Introduction Deadline 2/20
March
Legislative Budget Hearings &
Hearings on New Bills
Prime Time for Advocacy
Alliance Advocacy Day 3/24
April
AFK Policy Agenda Released
Prime Time for Advocacy
Leg. Prepares Budget Priorities & Gov. Prepares May Revision
House of Origin Policy Deadlines 4/24, 5/1
May 2026
Final Budget & 1st House Advocacy
Governor’s May Budget Revise
Leg. Unveils Joint Budget Proposal
House of Origin Final Deadline
(Bills must pass first house by 5/29)
June
Budget Framework Negotiated by 6/15 Deadline
Budget Details Continue through Trailer Bills
Second House Policy Committee Advocacy
July
Second House Policy Committee Deadline 7/2
Summer Recess Starts 7/2
Connect with Legislators in District
August 2026
Legislature Reconvenes 8/3
Final Second House Advocacy
Second House Fiscal Deadline 8/14
Last Day to Pass Bills 8/31
September
Final Recess Starts 9/1
Final Advocacy with Governor
Governor Veto Deadline 9/30
October
Begin Planning for 2027
Voter Education & Mobilization
November
General Election 11/3
Connect with Legislators in District
LAO Unveils 2027 Fiscal Outlook
December
Leg. One-Day Convening 12/7
Connect with Legislators in District
Color Legend:
Dates to Remember
Budgetary Considerations
Legislative Considerations
Suggested Advocacy Times