Digital Democracy

A group of individuals is gathered near large, arched windows in a dimly lit hallway. The silhouettes of a few people stand against the bright backdrop of the windows, which frame a view of a cityscape and a bridge in the distance. The setting appears to be inside a government building, with elegant woodwork and soft lighting from wall-mounted lamps. The scene evokes a sense of quiet anticipation or reflection, with people standing in conversation or gazing out the windows.

Politics

California Legislature’s unwritten rule: negotiate in secret with lobbyists, not in public

A tense exchange this summer between two California Democrats revealed an unwritten policy discouraging lawmakers from negotiating bills in legislative committees. It begs the question: Are lawmakers negotiating bills in secret and then rubber-stamping the decisions in public?

By Ryan Sabalow • September 18, 2024

Politics

Cashing in? A California tribe bought campaign ads for lawmaker who cast key gambling vote

Evan Low’s congressional campaign received $60,000 in digital radio ads from a casino-owning Southern California tribe after the Democratic Assemblymember voted for a controversial gambling bill.

By Ryan Sabalow • September 6, 2024

A person in a graduation cap and gown holds there hands together, near their chest, as they smile and face up towards a crowd during an outdoor graduation ceremony at a university stadium.

Higher Education

California may ban legacy admissions at colleges. The end of affirmative action is a reason why

Lawmakers want to ban legacy admissions at California private colleges, even though few colleges admit students that way. Bill backers say the bill will signal to students that college is for them in the aftermath of the national ban on affirmative action.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • August 29, 2024

A lawmaker, wearing a tan suit and blue tie, standing in front of a podium with white pillars and red curtains in the background of the Senate Floor at the state Capitol in Sacramento.

Digital Democracy

Lawmakers say Newsom staff ‘inflated’ cost of failed health care bills

A trio of California Democratic lawmakers say they’re frustrated by high cost estimates that helped kill their health care legislation. Did the Newsom administration inflate the numbers to quietly kill the bills?

By Ryan Sabalow and Jocelyn Wiener • August 27, 2024

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Politics

Plan to regulate access to online porn in California dies quietly in Legislature

California’s Senate killed a bill, similar to laws enacted in conservative states, that would require porn sites to verify visitors are adults.

By Ryan Sabalow • August 21, 2024

A person sits in a medical chair while they're hooked up to a dialysis machine.

Health

Big California health care businesses win exemptions from proposed hedge fund rules

A California Democrat who made a name for himself by taking on the health care industry is carrying a bill to regulate private equity stakes in the sector.

By Kristen Hwang • August 19, 2024

Assemblymembers sitting at their desks look at their phones and other devices during a floor session.

Politics

Do outgoing legislators ‘shop’ for lobbying jobs in final weeks of the session?

Departing California lawmakers don’t have to disclose that they’re looking for a new job. Ethics experts say that’s a problem.

By Ryan Sabalow • August 15, 2024

Health

Can’t find a doctor? California bill would punish insurers for giving customers outdated info

Patients looking for doctors who will take their insurance often find the list of doctors provided by their insurance companies are inaccurate or out of date. Insurers and doctors are fighting a bill that would fine insurers for having “ghost networks” that aren’t accurate.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 29, 2024

The California Democratic Party convention at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento on Nov. 17, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Democrats run the California Capitol. When the party backs a bill, lawmakers pay attention

The California Democratic Party’s primary function is electing candidates. Lately, it’s become a lobbying powerhouse, taking positions on dozens of bills. The party usually gets its way.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 22, 2024

A close up of a gambling table with gambling chips, cash, and a card that says, "$50,000" on it.

Politics

Gambling interests gave $1M to California lawmakers. Did it influence their votes?

California’s rival gambling interests gave the 22 members of an obscure legislative committee more than $1 million in campaign donations. Did the cash infusion to this “juice committee” influence members’ votes?

By Ryan Sabalow and Jeremia Kimelman • July 16, 2024