Digital Democracy

A lawmaker speaks at a microphone while holding papers on the floor of the California State Capitol.

Politics

Californians may get a new way to sue big companies. Some Democrats are nervous

Californians may soon have another way to sue big companies. That makes some Democrats nervous, but several didn’t vote.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 15, 2026

Several individuals wearing protective gear and helmets work together to dig a firebreak in a forested area. Flames burn nearby, casting an orange glow on the scene, as smoke rises through the trees.

Digital Democracy

New police and firefighters perks sail through Legislature. Will Newsom sign them?

California police and fire unions are backing bills that would create new retirement benefits or raise pay. Lawmakers approved them overwhelmingly.

By Adam Ashton • July 9, 2026

A residential street in Pleasanton on June 16, 2024. The city of Pleasanton has voted to explore the possibility of becoming a charter city. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

Politics

HOA fees skyrocketing? A California bill could cap them, but Democrats are divided

Some Democrats are divided over a bill that would cap how much homeowners associations can raise fees each year.

By Nadia Lathan • June 24, 2026

A student wearing headphones and a backpack walks down a staircase inside a university building. Behind them, an electronic stock ticker displays company names and share prices beneath a large sign reading “Innovation Incubator.” Glass walls, railings and multiple levels of the building frame the scene.

Higher Education

Cal State faculty push to prevent AI tools from replacing them as schools and staff experiment

The union representing California State University professors is contesting the system's use of artificial intelligence tools and backing legislation that would protect their jobs from the technology.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • June 19, 2026

A person stands at a podium speaking during a legislative session in the California State Capitol, holding a paper. Other legislators sit in rows in front of her, some looking at their laptops or phones. The chamber features tall columns and red curtains, with a formal and focused atmosphere.

Digital Democracy

The Board of Equalization has little power. Campaign donors still spent millions on it

Current state lawmakers dominated fundraising in races for California's little-known Board of Equalization, drawing heavily from interests with business before the Legislature.

By Kate Wolffe • June 15, 2026

A group of protesters stands on a sidewalk outside a downtown building holding handmade signs advocating for cardroom jobs. One person at the center raises a sign reading “CARDROOM EMPLOYEES MATTER!” while others nearby hold signs that say “SAVE OUR JOBS!” and “PROTECT OUR JOBS.” Several participants wear matching black shirts and sunglasses as buses and pedestrians pass in the background.

Politics

Why a yearslong fight over gambling is good news for California politicians

A judge’s temporary ruling in a costly battle between gambling halls and casino-owning tribes is likely not the end of the dispute. California politicians are likely the biggest winners of a prolonged gambling stalemate.

By Ryan Sabalow • June 1, 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 are they trying to hide? California lawmakers kill lobbying transparency bills

Good government groups backed legislation that sought to make every lobbyist letter public and online. Those proposals appear dead for the year.

By Ryan Sabalow • May 20, 2026

A person wearing ear protection and tinted safety glasses aims a handgun at an outdoor shooting range while another person stands closely behind, appearing to offer instruction. Bags and equipment rest on a wooden bench beside them, with hillside terrain blurred in the background.

Politics

Moving to California with a gun? You might have to take a four-hour course

Want to buy a gun in California? Lawmakers may have you set aside four hours — and bring ammo for the range

By Ryan Sabalow • May 19, 2026

An unidentifiable person wearing a black suit stands in front of a desk inside a courtroom facing a judge's bench. Another person, wearing an orange jumpsuit and with chains around their wait and hands, can be seen in the background.

Justice

Has psychiatric care become a get-out-of-jail-free card in California? The debate is heating up

Californians accused of crimes can receive mental health treatment rather than prison time under a 2018 law. Lawmakers are revamping the rules following reports of violent offenses.

By Gagandeep Singh • May 13, 2026

A close-up shows a campus security worker wearing glasses, a face mask, and a bright reflective jacket, holding a handheld radio near their mouth as if speaking into it.

Politics

Democrats’ plan to raise pay for security guards would pressure employers into labor deals

California’s security guards earn low pay and have dangerous jobs. Legislative Democrats are pressuring companies to unionize.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 20, 2026