California Legislature

Commentary

Push state leaders to pass a budget that boosts homeownership

There are growing calls to promote equity for those working Californians who, as a result of this state and nation’s history of discrimination, have higher levels of economic and housing insecurity and limited, if any, intergenerational wealth. California Realtors, Habitat for Humanity and the California Building Industry Association — a housing coalition — echoes those […]

By Guest Commentary • May 10, 2022

WhatMatters

Catholic bishops ask US Supreme Court to review California’s sex abuse law

California's Catholic bishops want the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a state sex abuse law, setting up another conflict with the high court.

By Emily Hoeven • May 10, 2022

Commentary

Community colleges need to stop pushing remedial-class enrollments

A new bill removes barriers to success by making it clear that community colleges should not require students to repeat math and English classes they passed in high school.

By Guest Commentary • May 9, 2022

California Divide

California may chop late fees that add hundreds of dollars to traffic tickets

A $300 penalty that California courts tack onto traffic and minor citations can cause the cost of a ticket to balloon. Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to reduce it by half but lawmakers want it gone.

By Jeanne Kuang • May 9, 2022

WhatMatters

Bill advances to let California teens get vaccinated without parental consent

California lawmakers pass a bill to allow youths 12 and older to get vaccines without parental consent, despite lots of controversy.

By Emily Hoeven • May 6, 2022

Commentary

College students shouldn’t have to worry about housing

Financing more student housing at the state’s public colleges and universities is a worthy investment in California’s economic future.

By Guest Commentary • May 4, 2022

Commentary

Crimping free speech is the wrong way to rein in social media

Assembly Bill 2408 proposes to punish popular social media platforms for editorial content promotion decisions. But it violates fundamental rights and must not become law.

By Guest Commentary • May 3, 2022

Politics

What would Malia Cohen do as California controller?

Democrat Malia Cohen wants to expand the role of state controller and advance equity and diversity in the job. In an 80-minute interview with CalMatters, she says the state's COVID response proves the need to do better on both those goals.

By Sameea Kamal • May 2, 2022

WhatMatters

Another gas rebate plan — but little action

A group of California lawmakers have another gas rebate plan amid budget negotiations with Newsom, but suspending the gas tax may be a no-go.

By Emily Hoeven • April 29, 2022

WhatMatters

Deal struck to avert big ballot box fight

A legislative deal will keep a malpractice measure off the November California election ballot, but another issue is headed for voters.

By Emily Hoeven • April 28, 2022