Capitol

Small American flags are mounted on wooden desks inside a legislative chamber, viewed from behind as lawmakers sit facing forward. The shallow focus emphasizes the flags and carved desk details, while figures and additional flags blur into the background under warm indoor lighting.

Politics

Get up to speed fast on the new California laws that might change your life in 2026

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

By

CalMatters Staff

• December 30, 2025

A side-view of a lawmaker, with short brunette hair and wearing a turquoise blazer, looking at papers while sitting in front of a desk in a legislative room filled with other lawmakers.

Politics

California lawmakers deliver major Democratic climate, housing and labor wins to Newsom

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.

By

Yue Stella Yu

and

Jeanne Kuang

• September 13, 2025

A construction worker in an orange hoodie and reflective vest bends forward while digging with a shovel at a dirt worksite, wearing a hard hat with stickers. Another worker is visible in the background near equipment and green construction materials.

Politics

In last-minute scramble, California lawmakers fail to deliver promised environmental reform

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.

By

Yue Stella Yu

and

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• September 12, 2025

An aerial view of a solar farm amongst farmland with a mountain range spread out on the horizon in the distance.

Water

California may help solar bloom where water runs dry

The state's farmers are divided over a bill that would loosen rules protecting agricultural land. The goal of a bill proposed by Assembly Democrat Buffy Wicks is to seed solar farms on fallowed fields.

By

Rachel Becker

• September 11, 2025

A blue and white sign reading "No Tunnel – One Tunnel is One Too Many!" is posted on a wooden stake in a grassy field. The sign also features the phrase "Save Our Delta" in red text at the top and a website address at the bottom. The background consists of a lush green field with a wire fence, a distant road, and a few vehicles visible under a bright blue sky. Sunlight casts shadows on the sign and the grass.

Environment

Newsom’s bid to fast-track Delta tunnel stalls again

Water wonks say the proposal to speed the multibillion Delta tunnel project could rise again. ‘This is the zombie offspring of the zombie project,’ one opponent said.

By

Rachel Becker

• September 10, 2025

A side-view of people holding signs and chanting while at a rally.

Economy

California Uber and Lyft drivers closer to being able to unionize after crucial vote

A bill allowing Lyft and Uber drivers to unionize was sent to the governor's desk this week after it was tied to an insurance bill that benefits both companies.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• September 10, 2025

The silhouette of a person as they walk through a hallway during a legislative hearing at a building near the state Capitol.

Politics

Will California extend cap and trade? Legislative negotiations go down to the wire

California lawmakers are rushing to extend the state’s landmark cap-and-trade climate program through 2045 amid opposition from unions and industry.

By

Maya C. Miller

• September 8, 2025

Audience members watch lawmakers seated at the front of a committee hearing room during a suspense file hearing at the California State Capitol.

Politics

High-speed rail hits a new snag as lawmakers reject proposal to expedite construction

A San Francisco Democrat wants to streamline permitting and speed up the state’s high-speed rail construction. His proposal just died in the Legislature’s secretive “suspense file” hearing, following strong objections from local governments and utilities.

By

Yue Stella Yu

and

Jeanne Kuang

• August 29, 2025

Technology

Three bills would protect California workers from AI management, but will costs stand in the way?

Several bills in the California Legislature would regulate how companies use AI to make employment decisions such as compensation, hiring, firing, or promotions, but they may be in jeopardy because of their associated costs.

By

Khari Johnson

• August 25, 2025

A group of people waits in line inside a government building hallway, some talking while others stand quietly.

Politics

They came to Sacramento for a Christian rally. Then they heard about Newsom’s redistricting

Conservative opponents dominated the public comment at legislative hearings on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s congressional redistricting plan, though most were at the Capitol for an unrelated rally.

By

Alexei Koseff

• August 19, 2025