2024 - Page 3 of 178

Health

Health laws, bird flu and Trump preparation: 2024 year in review

California's health system changed in 2024 but lawmakers face a busy future with bird flu, vaccines, and abortion access all on the docket.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• December 27, 2024

Housing

Legal battles and funding woes: California housing 2024 year in review

California officials continued to fight with cities that don't want to build more housing and everyone struggled to find more money to pay for new housing.

By

Felicia Mello

• December 27, 2024

Sheriff's Deputies escorts inmates down a secured hallway at downtown Central Jail in San Diego in 2015. Photo by Nelvin C. Cepeda, The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP Photo

Justice

California stiffened penalties for theft — and more changes are coming

Lea esta historia en Español Californians accused of certain drug and retail theft crimes may already be facing stiffer penalties under an initiative voters passed this year, alongside related bills Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law. Voters this November overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, which both modifies and adds key changes to California law. That includes […]

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• December 27, 2024

A group of individuals is gathered near large, arched windows in a dimly lit hallway. The silhouettes of a few people stand against the bright backdrop of the windows, which frame a view of a cityscape and a bridge in the distance. The setting appears to be inside a government building, with elegant woodwork and soft lighting from wall-mounted lamps. The scene evokes a sense of quiet anticipation or reflection, with people standing in conversation or gazing out the windows.

CalMatters en Español

El número de cabilderos registrados alcanza un récord en California

El aumento del número de cabilderos significa que ahora hay al menos uno por cada miembro del personal legislativo.

By

Sameea Kamal

• December 26, 2024

Politics

Number of registered lobbyists jumps to a record high in California

The increase in lobbyists means there’s now at least one lobbyist for every legislative staff member.

By

Sameea Kamal

• December 26, 2024

Patients make a doctor's appointment at the Santa Clara Valley Health Center in San Jose on Dec. 9, 2021. Photo by Eric Risberg, AP Photo

CalMatters en Español

La mayor parte de las deudas médicas ya no pueden afectar su puntaje crediticio según la nueva ley de California

Una nueva ley estatal eliminará las deudas médicas de su informe crediticio, lo que evitará que su puntaje crediticio se vea afectado. Entrará en vigencia el 1 de enero de 2025.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• December 26, 2024

A collage-style illustration in with light blue, pink, yellow and green tones that shows two bookshelves on top of each other with books positioned upright and next to each other. The bookshelf on top includes an image of the California capitol building set on top of three books with the text "new laws" on the spine. The bottom bookshelf includes a pink standing flip calendar with the text "Jan. 2025" on it.

Politics

Get up to speed fast on these new California laws taking effect in 2025

Here are some of the most noteworthy 2025 laws that go into effect on Jan. 1.

By

CalMatters Staff

• December 26, 2024

Two patients sit in front of a desk with a plexiglass where a receptionists writes something down on a piece of paper.

Health

Most medical debt can no longer hurt your credit score under new California law

A new state law will keep medical debt off your credit report, sparing a hit to your all-important credit score. This is a big deal for California where millions struggle with unpaid medical bills. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• December 26, 2024