Politics
They drove for hours to speak in the Capitol. California lawmakers cut them off
As lawmakers rush through thousands of bills in Sacramento and make decisions in secret, regular Californians are often silenced.
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Politics
California wine country traffic jam fuels fight over endangered mice, marsh birds
A bill by Assemblymember Lori Wilson could help finally break the Highway 37 gridlock despite worries about harming endangered species.
Politics
California lawmakers kill bid to force HOAs to follow open meeting laws
A Republican bill to require more transparency from California’s 50,000 homeowners associations failed to advance out of committee despite bipartisan support.
Politics
California railroads: Unions push to shorten trains, but companies warn of higher costs
Unions are pushing for shorter freight trains to make railways safer, but that could raise the cost of goods and delay passenger rail service. It also may not be legal.
Politics
How labor killed a bill to let California wildfire victims sue Big Oil for climate change
The Senate Judiciary Committee spiked a bill to let wildfire victims sue oil companies over climate change. Labor unions, not Big Oil, led the opposition.
Politics
California lawmakers quietly sideline bills in secretive suspense process
More than 100 California bills moved to the “suspense file” last week, the start of a process where consequential decisions are made out of public view.
Politics
Can California vets claw back another cat declawing ban? Lawmakers are trying
Five different measures to ban claw declawing surgery have died in the Legislature since 2018. Lawmakers are trying again this year, despite lobbying by state veterinarians.
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No more calling ‘shotgun?’ California could ban teens from riding in the front seat
A new bill would require teens up to 16 years old to ride in the back seat if they’re not tall enough. Middle schoolers up to age 13 would need to use booster seats if they’re tiny.
Politics
California Democratic lawmaker exaggerated his record as a police officer
For years, Democratic Assemblymember Mike Gipson has repeated a story about being partners with a fallen police officer. Records and interviews find that Gipson exaggerated their relationship and overstated what he did during his brief time as a reserve officer in Maywood.
Politics
Another California professional group wants a free pass from jury duty. This lawmaker says no
For years, various professional groups have tried unsuccessfully to get their members out of jury service. Probation officers are trying again this year.