Capitol

The lame-duck governor's penchant for pushing last-minute demands on California’s Legislature didn't work out as it has in years past.

The measure, which was opposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state's public utilities, never came to a vote in the Assembly.

A bill now on the governor’s desk narrows last year's CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing, adding community protections industry fought to soften.

Pacheco’s legislation would allow public agencies to delay records requests it deems “improperly” filed, sue for “malicious” requests and charge up to $66 an hour to produce government records. One good governance advocate calls it a “virtual horror show of governmental non-transparency.”

State lawmakers’ budget plan would reject or delay many of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social service cuts. Now, the budget negotiations begin in earnest.

Down the hall from where Gov. Gavin Newsom bragged about his balanced two-year budget proposal, California lawmakers went on a rapid-fire spree culling their colleagues’ pricey proposals.

California gradually expanded a privacy program for crime victims and workers in sensitive industries. This year, Republicans call it a threat to fraud investigations and citizen journalism.

New California laws taking effect on Jan. 1, 2026 expand coverage for in vitro fertilization, regulate artificial intelligence, protect renters and more.

California leaders wrapped this year’s legislative session Saturday afternoon, prolonged by last-minute backroom deals on climate and energy, sparking deep frustration among some lawmakers.

Despite a last-minute scramble, California Senate leaders failed to fix an environmental law rollback for advanced manufacturing, leaving pollution concerns untouched as session ends.