California Legislature

Politics

California’s bill to end cash bail could make history—and splinter the left

Civil rights advocates who once led the charge for bail reform are now lobbying against it, saying it replaces one problem with another—and may perpetuate racial bias.

By Laurel Rosenhall • August 16, 2018

Commentary

My turn: CA can lead on climate change and housing equity

Sen. Henry Stern's Senate Bill 1477 offers a roadmap for California to lead on climate action and housing equity.

By Guest Commentary • August 15, 2018

Capitol

Meet California’s shortest-serving state senator in more than 100 years

In probably the strangest outcome of California’s elections so far this year, a new state senator was sworn in Monday—with just three weeks left to go in the legislative session.

By Laurel Rosenhall • August 13, 2018

Capitol

As Capitol wildfire debate rages, utilities have doubled dollars on lobbying

Between the end of last year’s deadly wildfires and the start of this summer’s fatal blazes, utilities and insurers with a stake in the aftermath have poured more than $3.2 million into California campaign donations and another $5.2 million into state lobbying—a big spike.

By Laurel Rosenhall • August 9, 2018

Capitol

A political firestorm is about to hit the Capitol: Who will pay for wildfire damages?

In Sacramento, the biggest fights are over wildfire liability—who pays for billions of dollars of damages that result from the loss of so many homes, businesses and lives?—and how much utilities like PG&E can pass liability costs onto their customers.

By Laurel Rosenhall • July 12, 2018

Capitol

Power play: How California lawmakers are trying to navigate a changing energy landscape

Bills to manage California's power supply await the Legislature when it returns from July recess. At issue is the state's ability to provide electricity consistently, even when an unexpected demand or oversupply arises.

By Julie Cart • July 11, 2018

Economy

Check-up: How health care fares in California’s new spending plan

California has been a national leader in the effort to expand health care coverage, but some advocates say this year’s state budget marks a step backward in the quest to reduce and ultimately eliminate the number of uninsured people.

By Antoinette Siu • June 27, 2018

Economy

Watch us break down California’s new budget in under 2 minutes

The state's new budget weighs in at a record-setting $201 billion. Here are the highlights.

By Byrhonda Lyons • June 27, 2018

Justice

Emotional fight over conversion therapy: Should California limit services meant to turn gay people straight?

Scientists and LGBTQ groups want California to become the nation's first state to ban what they see as a harmful, prejudice-driven practice. But First Amendment purists and some religious conservatives argue that would curtail liberty.

By Robbie Short • June 24, 2018

Health

Out with soda, juice and chocolate milk—California could become first state to restrict kids’ meals

A bill advancing in the Capitol would require restaurants to offer only water or milk with meals marketed for children.

By Elizabeth Castillo • June 19, 2018