California Legislature

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

Health

Medical malpractice deal becomes law, averting costly ballot battle

The doctor's lobby, advocacy groups and legislative leaders announce a California medical malpractice deal to keep a measure off the ballot.

By Ana B. Ibarra and Kristen Hwang • April 27, 2022

Politics

What would Lanhee Chen do as California controller?

In a 70-minute interview with CalMatters reporters, Lanhee Chen, the only Republican running for state controller, talks about his priorities and how he would work with Democrats in power.

By Sameea Kamal • April 27, 2022

Commentary

To reduce gun violence, start at the local level

Rather than ask what legislators can do, we should turn to residents in the most affected communities for ways to reduce gun violence.

By Guest Commentary • April 27, 2022

Justice

Police and prison guard misconduct and bias: Audit asks state to step up

California’s Auditor outlines what the state should do to combat bias and misconduct among cops and prison guards — starting with a clearer definition of the word "bias."

By Nigel Duara • April 26, 2022

Commentary

Ranked choice voting would end recall election clown shows

With dozens of candidates likely to run in any gubernatorial recall election, electing the consensus candidate is a valuable reform for these contentious times.

By Guest Commentary • April 26, 2022

California Divide

Cash for farmworkers? Newsom vetoes $20 million drought aid bill

A proposed bill would pay farmworkers who lost work due to dry or low-water conditions $1,000 a month for three years.

By Melissa Montalvo • April 25, 2022

Politics

‘When you don’t know where to go, you come here:’ California preps to be a haven for abortion rights

California abortion rights groups, providers and Democratic lawmakers are all getting ready for a potential influx of out-of-state women. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to dramatically scale back, or even end, the constitutional right to abortion.

By Alexei Koseff • April 25, 2022

WhatMatters

Yet another setback for PG&E wildfire victims

A key advocate left the PG&E wildfire victims fund after he was embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal at Sonoma State University.

By Emily Hoeven • April 22, 2022

WhatMatters

COVID testing lab: California dismantles another piece of its pandemic response

CalMatters is dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives. Your support helps us produce journalism that makes a difference. Donate now. Piece by piece, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration and state lawmakers are pulling down pillars of California’s emergency COVID response — even as the test positivity rate begins to tick back up. The latest cornerstone […]

By Emily Hoeven • April 21, 2022