Investigation
New commission takes aim at California’s broken public defense system
California is one of just two states that provides no money for the basic defense of poor people accused of crimes.
New bill would stop DMV from making millions off auctioned cars without telling the owners
The bill is inspired by a CalMatters story that revealed state law allows the DMV to collect money from towed cars in secret.
Judge begins to unwind conflicts in Ventura County conservatorship cases
Following a CalMatters investigation, a new judge has ordered Angelique Friend to stop hiring her husband’s companies with her clients’ money.
‘It’s time’: California leaders unveil biggest crackdown on drunk drivers in decades
A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers has introduced 10 bills, an unprecedented package designed to stop deadly drivers.
Rural California gets a lifeline in school funding as Congress restores money it cut
A century-old program pays for schools, roads and other services in 39 California counties.
Politics
California admits using high-risk AI — including systems it failed to report last year
State officials have found they are using six high-risk AI-like systems. One year ago, they reported using zero.
Technology
California Legislature in standoff with DMV over sharing driver license data with other states
California lawmakers are holding up money the Newsom administration requested for a nationwide driver license database over concerns that the information could lead to deportations.
Justice
Federal judge orders immigrant detention center to allow San Diego County health inspection
A California law empowers local health officials to inspect immigrant detention centers. San Diego County sued to enforce it after being denied access to a facility.
Investigation
Eight bills related to License to Kill advance in the Legislature
Lawmakers proposed a suite of bills in response to a series of CalMatters investigative stories.
Technology
It’s easier for Californians to escape data brokers following a CalMatters investigation
CalMatters and The Markup showed how website code could make it harder for Californians to exercise their right to remove personal data. Now much of that code has disappeared.
Investigation
California has a public defender crisis. A new bill seeks to force the state to confront it
Counties would have to report their public defenders' workloads under the proposed legislation.
Mental Health
Plans to fix gaps in Newsom’s mental health court reopen divisions over involuntary care
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court struggles to serve Californians in acute mental health crises. Two bills are moving forward to change that.