Digital Democracy

My Legislator newsletter: Frequently Asked Questions, Answered

What the rankings and metrics in our My Legislator newsletter mean, along with answers to other common questions.

By CalMatters Staff • January 9, 2026

An overhead view shows three people standing and talking on a patterned tile floor inside an ornate building. Decorative light fixtures with glowing bulbs hang between wooden railings, casting warm light over the geometric floor tiles as the group gathers near the edge of a balcony.

Politics

What did California lawmakers talk about this year? These 10 bills sparked hours of debate

California lawmakers only spent just a few minutes discussing in public the hundreds of bills they introduce. But these 10 measures had hours of intense debate in 2025.

By Ryan Sabalow • December 29, 2025

A line up of electric vehicles at a Hyundai dealership in Fresno on Sept. 7, 2023.

Politics

New California laws rewrite car-buying rules with return policy and pricing reforms

California lawmakers let automakers opt out of recent changes to the state’s lemon law and approved a law giving used car buyers three days to return a used vehicle.

By Ryan Sabalow • December 26, 2025

A wide-view from above of a legislative room filled with lawmakers sitting at their desks. A large crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The room is decorated with beige walls, mint-color columns, gold fixtures and a lime green carpet.

Politics

California lawmakers found money for these pet projects even as they slashed the budget

California lawmakers faced a difficult budget year, but they still managed to put hundreds of millions of dollars in earmarks in the state budget to benefit their districts — and help them get re-elected.

By Ryan Sabalow • November 7, 2025

A narrow prison cell with yellow-painted walls contains a stainless steel sink and toilet unit, a small white bucket on the floor, and a black metal bed frame without a mattress. Above the sink, a wall-mounted shelf holds a few items, including toilet paper and a towel. Harsh wall-mounted lights cast strong illumination, highlighting the chipped paint and worn surfaces throughout the confined space.

Justice

California prisoners sleep with ‘one eye open’. Should they have their own cells?

Potentially volatile cellmates are a fact of life in California prisons. That may change as the state's incarcerated population declines, freeing up space for single-person quarters.

By Joe Garcia • November 3, 2025

A person wearing a blue suit stands in front of two American flags while as they look straight off into the distance during a press conference.

Politics

Gavin Newsom cited 3 main reasons in his vetoes this year. Trump was one

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed 123 bills this year, citing fiscal restraint — and Donald Trump.

By Ryan Sabalow • October 24, 2025

People stand in the rotunda section of a Capitol building along the railing of the second floor.

Politics

After CalMatters report, Newsom signs law forcing lawmakers to disclose their new jobs

After a CalMatters report, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring lawmakers to disclose when they’ve gotten a new job. Will it uncover corruption?

By Ryan Sabalow • October 16, 2025

Politics

Newsom vetoes car dealers’ bill to hike fees on buyers

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed one bill and signed another that could change how you purchase a vehicle in California.

By Ryan Sabalow • October 15, 2025

A close up of a gambling table with gambling chips, cash, and a card that says, "$50,000" on it.

Digital Democracy

Judge shuts down California tribes’ latest bid to crush their casino rivals

California card rooms emerged victorious in the latest battle over whether tribes should have exclusive rights to offer Las Vegas-style gambling.

By Ryan Sabalow • October 10, 2025

Politics

Gov. Gavin Newsom just banned loud ads on Netflix. Here’s why

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill banning ads that are substantially louder than the shows on streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu.

By Ryan Sabalow • October 7, 2025