The California Legislature is made up of a 40-member California Senate (elected for a maximum of two four-year terms) and an 80-member California Assembly (elected for no more than three two-year terms).

Each California resident has a state senator and state representative that represents them in Sacramento. Members of the Senate and Assembly must be over 18 years of age and be citizens of the United States and of California.

How Long Does the Session Run?

The California legislative session convenes at noon on the first Monday in December following the election. Both houses then go into recess until the first Monday in January, except when that first Monday is January 1, or January 1 is a Sunday, in which case they meet the following Wednesday. Apart from the recess, the California legislature remains in session throughout the year.

Terms and Term Limits

Elections in the state senate are staggered at two-year intervals. Every two years, one half of the Senate (20 seats) is subject to election. Seats in odd-numbered districts are up for election during presidential elections. Seats in even-numbered districts are up for elections during the midterms.

Additional Facts

The California State Legislature is one of only 10 full-time state legislatures in the United States.