Lobbyists Sponsor Almost 40% of Bills in Calif. Legislature

From 2007 to 2008, outside lobbying groups wrote more than 1,800 bills that were introduced in the California Legislature, or about 39% of all bills, according to a new San Jose Mercury News analysis. The investigation found that roughly half of the bills supported by lobbyists became law, compared with about 20% of legislation written solely by lawmakers. There are no implications that lawmakers are acting illegally.

• "How Our Laws Are Really Made" (de Sá, San Jose Mercury News, 7/11).
• "Study: Lobbyists Sponsor 39% of Calif. Bills" (AP/Ventura County Star, 7/10).