How do bills really get passed — or stopped — in California? 🏛️
In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer sits down with California State Senator Roger Niello (6th District, Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee) to discuss:

- The real process behind passing legislation — and why some bills never see a vote.
- The Title & Summary Bill and efforts to reduce bias in ballot measures.
- California’s budget challenges and the push for fiscal responsibility.
- The role of transparency, bipartisanship, and civic engagement in a supermajority state.
- How artificial intelligence could change government operations.

Whether you’re passionate about politics, governance, or understanding how laws are made, this conversation offers a rare insider’s perspective on the power and process shaping California.

📌 Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:00 How Bills Live or Die in Sacramento
10:00 Bias in Ballot Summaries
18:00 Civic Education & Engagement
19:00 California’s Budget Challenges
30:00 AI in the Legislature
34:00 Closing Thoughts

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About Evan Meyer

Tech entrepreneur and civic leader - he founded mygovtools.org, a platform to drive government efficiency, constituent representation, and civic engagement; BeautifyEarth.com, a platform accelerating urban beautification through art; and its sister nonprofit, transforming schools in underserved areas. He also co-founded RideAmigos.com, a platform that optimizes commuter travel globally. Previously, he served as District Director for the California State Senate and led many civic initiatives in Santa Monica. Through seminars and his podcast Meyerside Chats, Evan inspires civic engagement, innovation, and cultural growth.
He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.