Capitol
Newsom’s gas price plan clears Senate, but some Democrats dissent
The state Senate signs off on Gov. Newsom’s bill to stop spikes in California gas prices. A final vote is scheduled on Monday.
Capitol
Foon Rhee
Deputy Managing Editor
Sameea Kamal
Capitol Reporter
Jeremia Kimelman
Data Reporter
Alexei Koseff
Capitol Reporter
California Divide
California collects millions in stolen wages, but can’t find many workers to pay them
The state Labor Commissioner sometimes struggles to get back pay to workers when it reaches wage theft settlements. It tries social media, TV and hotlines. But money owed to employees is still sitting in state accounts.
Capitol
Senate leader agrees to take up Newsom’s gas price plan after it passes Assembly
The Assembly approves Gov. Newsom’s bill on oil refineries on a 44-17 vote. But the state Senate will have its say when it convenes next week.
Economy
Why Gavin Newsom vetoed California’s bold bid to regulate AI
The legislation would have required tech companies to test AI for harm to society. It attracted opposition from numerous members of Congress and major AI companies including Google, Meta, and OpenAI.
California Divide
As extreme heat rises, Newsom blocks bill to protect California farmworkers
Gov. Newsom blocks legislation to make it easier for California farmworkers to file workers’ comp claims for heat illness. It was backed by their union and opposed by business groups.
California Divide
Newsom denies jobless aid to undocumented Californians, after vetoing two other bills to help them
Gov. Newsom again vetoes a bill aiming to let undocumented immigrants get unemployment benefits. He earlier vetoed measures to allow them to apply for homeowner aid, and for undocumented students to work on campus. Political analysts say he’s playing it safe on a hot-button issue.
Capitol
Gavin Newsom vetoed 1 of every 5 bills. Here’s why
The governor blocks a sizable chunk of bills passed by the Legislature. He cites a few common reasons why they shouldn’t become law in California.
Capitol
California will apologize for slavery as part of reparations push
As part of a California reparations package, Gov. Newsom signs a bill to officially apologize for slavery. But he vetoed others sought by reparations supporters.
Capitol
Critics say lawmakers watered down California’s lemon car law after secret lobbyist negotiations
A bill awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature may make it harder for consumers to get refunds for defective cars under the state's lemon law. The Legislature hastily passed the complicated bill, which auto manufacturers and attorneys drafted in secret. Did lawmakers even have time to read it?
Economy
Why Ricardo Lara says his plan to fix California’s insurance crisis will work
At a CalMatters event, California’s insurance commissioner says the changes he’s making will help homeowners and business owners. One idea: A state grant for those who spend money to protect their property from wildfires.