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California Legislature

All articles tagged with #california legislature

politics10 hours ago•22 min saved

California lawmakers push to ban ICE electric-shock gloves ahead of purchases

Democratic California lawmakers advanced Assembly Bill 2760 to prohibit ICE and state/local officers from wearing or purchasing any device that can deliver electric shocks, in response to DHS/ICE plans to spend up to $20 million to acquire thousands of gloves and a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs. The measure would also block state funding for police gear. Supporters call the gloves inhumane and a public-safety risk, while law-enforcement groups warn it could hinder de-escalation; legal challenges are expected given federal authority over immigration enforcement.

via CalMatters|

#california-legislature #civil-rights #electric-shock-gloves

politics2 days ago•29 min saved

Calif. Lawmakers Balk at Newsom’s Wildfire Payout Overhaul

With six days left in the legislative session, California lawmakers are balking at major elements of Gov. Newsom’s wildfire-payout package, opposing caps on survivors’ damages, reductions in insurer reimbursements, and limits on local governments’ recoveries, even as they back some provisions; Eaton Fire survivor protests underscore the political sensitivity, and if no deal is reached, the issue could be punted to the next governor.

via CalMatters|

#california-legislature #edison #gavin-newsom

politics25 days ago•31 min saved

Five end-of-session bets reshape California policy as lawmakers rush to adjourn

With the legislative session winding down, California lawmakers are negotiating five high-stakes deals: how to spend the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund on climate programs (affecting EV incentives, fire department funding, and potentially high-speed rail); a carve-out for the California Forever Solano project; proposed wildfire legislation that could shift costs from utilities to policyholders; the COMPETE Act expanding private antitrust actions; and reforms to curb costly abuse lawsuits against public employees.

via CalMatters|

#antitrust #california-forever #california-legislature

politics2 months ago•22 min saved

California lawmakers push a $356B budget, delaying cuts and boosting schools and services

California lawmakers plan a $356 billion budget that largely avoids Gov. Newsom’s social‑service cuts by delaying or softening them, expands TK‑12 and child‑care funding, increases county and homelessness support, and pursues new revenue ideas while aiming for a larger rainy‑day fund ahead of a June 25 ballot deadline.

via CalMatters|

#california-budget #california-legislature #california-taxes

politics2 months ago•26 min saved

California climate funding showdown tests Newsom agenda

California Senate Democrats are using the state budget to block Gov. Newsom’s carbon-market overhaul that would award free pollution permits to refineries and big polluters, arguing it undermines last year’s three-way climate deal. They want funds redirected to housing, transit, clean air and water programs and threaten to stall Newsom’s priorities like EV incentives and high‑speed rail unless the deal is funded. The Legislative Analyst’s Office warns the changes could cut climate-revenue from about $4 billion to $2 billion, jeopardizing emissions targets, as negotiations continue with a June 30 deadline and room for summer bargaining.

via CalMatters|

#california-budget #california-legislature #carbon-market

politics3 months ago•33 min saved

Newsom's Final Budget: Cutting Now, Saving for the AI Boom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a revised 2026-27 budget that aims to balance the books for 18 months after he leaves, pairing continued reserves withdrawals with new cuts and a larger rainy-day fund to blunt a potentially long-term deficit. Fueled by a surge in tax revenue from California’s AI-driven tech sector, the plan projects a near $350 billion spending blueprint that still expects a deficit in 2028-29 and 2029-30, and it slashes general-fund spending by about $1.8 billion, mainly through Medi-Cal cuts and higher premiums for about 1.3 million undocumented immigrants while reinstating asset tests. Newsom would transfer money into the rainy-day fund and set aside billions for future years, while also funding targeted items like paid pregnancy leave for TK-12 and community college staff and literacy and math supports. The plan clashes with Democratic lawmakers over education funding levels, homelessness money, and corporate tax credits, and would impose new matching requirements on localities receiving homelessness funds. Negotiations continue, with a June 30 deadline for a final deal.

via CalMatters|

#california-budget #california-legislature #gavin-newsom

politics11 months ago•8 min saved

California Democrats Reach Climate Deal Amidst Energy and Cost Debates

California's legislative session concluded with significant Democratic wins on climate, housing, and labor, despite last-minute deals and frustrations over process and unresolved issues like property tax caps and environmental reviews. Key measures include climate and energy policies, housing near transit, union rights for gig workers, and funding for local news, with ongoing debates on antisemitism and AI oversight.

via CalMatters|

#budget-disputes #california-legislature #climate-policy

politics1 year ago•6 min saved

California Advances Major Housing and Environmental Reforms

California Governor Gavin Newsom successfully pushed through major housing reforms by leveraging the state budget process to bypass legislative opposition, including significant exemptions to environmental review laws (CEQA), aiming to accelerate urban housing construction amid political and environmental challenges.

via Los Angeles Times|

#california-legislature #ceqa-exemptions #gavin-newsom

politics1 year ago•2 min saved

Newsom Rallies California Against Trump Policies

California Governor Gavin Newsom has called a special legislative session for December 2, 2024, to prepare legal defenses against President-elect Donald Trump's policies. Newsom aims to counter Trump's actions on issues like abortion, immigration, and disaster aid, continuing California's role as a stronghold of resistance against Trump's administration. The session will focus on authorizing more funding for legal challenges and state agencies, with legislative leaders supporting Newsom's initiative to defend California's values.

via POLITICO|

#california-legislature #donald-trump #gavin-newsom

politics2 years ago•2 min saved

"Newsom's Controversial Vetoes: Driverless Truck Safety and Gender Identity Bills Among the Rejected"

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required human safety drivers in heavy-duty autonomous trucks for the next five years, citing the existing regulatory framework as sufficient. The bill, sponsored by the Teamsters union and supported by highway safety advocates, faced opposition from driverless technology companies and business groups. The decision now rests with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine when self-driving trucks can operate without human drivers. Dissatisfaction with the DMV's regulation of autonomous vehicles was a key factor in the debate, with concerns raised about lax enforcement and public safety. Newsom expressed confidence in the DMV's ability to handle the issue.

via Los Angeles Times|

#california-legislature #dmv #driverless-trucks

health3 years ago•4 min saved

California Becomes First State to Ban Red Dye No. 3 and Skittles Ingredient

The California Legislature has passed a bill that would ban four food additives, including red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben, starting in 2027. If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, it would be the first time a state has banned food additives permitted by the FDA. The additives have been linked to potential health issues and are already illegal in the EU and other countries. The bill aims to make the food supply safer and give parents more confidence in the products they buy. Large manufacturers are expected to remove the banned additives from their products nationwide.

via NBC News|

#california-legislature #environmental-working-group #fda