California Legislature

The state Legislature’s policy committees are buzzing with activity this week, hearing bills on topics including election reform, missing persons and chemicals in candy. Bills that require money will advance to their respective appropriations committee, where many will have to face the dreaded suspense file next month, which can stop a bill’s progress in its […]

As pandemic relief dollars dwindle, low income families still need help recovering, advocates say. Two bills would expand California's earned income and young child tax credits for families making as much as $30,000.

From CalMatters’ health reporter Kristen Hwang and political reporter Alexei Koseff: Gov. Gavin Newsom and a cadre of Democratic lawmakers want to be clear: They will protect medication abortion in California no matter what the U.S. Supreme Court decides on the issue — they’re just not entirely sure how. In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, […]

Crime is always a key issue at the state Capitol — and even more so this week. With many Californians worried about personal safety and crime, legislators are touting bills that either support victims of crime or enact harsher penalties on criminals.  Today is the second day of the 10th annual Survivors Speak Conference, which […]

At the direction of a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, the state auditor will complete a detailed audit of spending on California homelessness programs. The number of unhoused has grown, even as spending has increased.

As CalMatters’ new newsletter writer, I’m embarking on a periodic series of interviews with fellow newcomers — first-term California legislators. With resignations and redistricting, there are 31 brand new lawmakers who are also making this the most diverse Legislature ever. First up: Assemblymember Corey Jackson, who embodies this change. He’s a Moreno Valley Democrat, chairperson […]

California's budget revenues, particularly income taxes, are continuing to fall below expectations, indicating that the deficit will continue to rise, posing a political dilemma for Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators.

A bill to phase out all tobacco sales in California has been shelved, and anti-tobacco groups won't say why they didn't offer support. The bill was amended to focus on enforcing an existing ban on flavored tobacco.

The Legislature is back this week from spring recess and already things are getting busy.  CalMatters’ Julie Cart reports that a bill that would outlaw five chemicals in food products passed the Assembly health committee Tuesday after a robust debate — and a little snacking. The so-called Skittles Bill prompted both a freewheeling discussion of […]

California Democrats carved out the Dream for All money to help first-time buyers. The funds ran out after just 11 days with the average loan hitting $112,000.