Politics

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

This bill could give Californians an ally on public record requests

A bipartisan bill would create a state ombudsperson to intervene when public records requests are denied. But an advocacy group is concerned that it will encourage state agencies to go to court.

By Sameea Kamal • September 12, 2023

Fast food workers rally at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 31, 2023.

Politics

Last-minute deal: Wage hike for fast food workers, no ballot measure in 2024

A deal announced today by labor groups and the fast food industry would give workers a $20 minimum wage and pull a measure off the 2024 ballot. The Legislature has until Thursday to approve it.

By Jeanne Kuang and Alexei Koseff • September 11, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom is surrounded by lawmakers as he signs into law his oil profit penalty plan in Sacramento on March 28, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Which bills will Gavin Newsom sign into new California laws?

The Legislature is approving lots of significant bills in the final days of the session. But the final call is up to the governor, and he isn’t shy about using his veto pen.

By CalMatters • September 11, 2023

The TikTok application on a phone on July 25, 2023. Photo by Felix Schlikis, Imago via Reuters

Politics

TikTok ban on state worker phones won’t happen in California this year

A bipartisan bill to prohibit TikTok on state phones is shelved until 2024. It had breezed through the state Legislature, but Gov. Newsom asked for the delay. It's the latest social media regulation to get stalled in California.

By Sameea Kamal • September 7, 2023

Capitol

Ending the suspense: Child trafficking, fentanyl bills can still become law

In rapid-fire votes in suspense file hearings, lawmakers determined the fate of hundreds of bills on crime, transgender students and more.

By Alexei Koseff and Sameea Kamal • September 1, 2023

An ambulance owned by the private company American Medical Response at Natividad Hospital in Salinas. Photo by Vern Fisher, Monterey Herald via Bay Area News Group

Politics

Why a Colorado ambulance company wants to limit California taxes

American Medical Response has poured more than $3 million into a November 2024 initiative to raise requirements for levying taxes and fees. The company says it’s looking out for patients, but local officials say it’s about the money.

By Alexei Koseff • August 24, 2023

The California Air Resources Board meets at the California Environmental Protection Agency building in Sacramento on June 23, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Politics

California boards want to keep pandemic rules for public meetings. Critics call it bad for democracy

State boards are backing a bill to continue carve-outs from California’s open meetings law. An unusual coalition of good government, press, taxpayer and industry groups is fighting back.

By Sameea Kamal • August 23, 2023

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer in Los Angeles on Aug. 1, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

Politics

This L.A. Democrat is a ‘New Testament kind of guy’ — and one of California’s most powerful voices on criminal justice

As the California Legislature reconvenes for the final five weeks of its session, the leader of the Assembly Public Safety Committee is under the spotlight. But Reggie Jones-Sawyer isn’t backing down.

By Alexei Koseff • August 14, 2023

Illustration by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters; iStock

Politics

Why California cities use your tax dollars to lobby the Legislature

Local governments account for about 10% of total spending on lobbying state lawmakers and agencies. Often, they’re seeking state money. Sometimes, they’re trying to get a say on specific bills.

By Sameea Kamal and Jeremia Kimelman • August 3, 2023

Housing

California could borrow a record-breaking $35 billion to tackle the housing crisis. Will voters go along?

Three of the biggest housing bonds in state history are bound for the 2024 ballot. But with no shortage of crises facing the state, California can only borrow so much and voters may succumb to “bond fatigue.”

By Ben Christopher • August 3, 2023