Legislator Card

Health

What a GOP fight over undocumented health care says about California’s changing politics

Almost 30 years ago Californians passed Proposition 187, a ballot measure that denied public benefits to undocumented immigrants. This year, a new state law took effect offering government-subsidized health insurance to the same population.

By Ana B. Ibarra • January 24, 2024

Capitol

Californians want to use Zoom for court appearances. Will lawmakers let them?

Each year, California lawmakers pass temporary extensions to COVID-era rules that allow people to attend court remotely via video conferencing services. One of the state’s most powerful unions has been a barrier to making the popular feature permanent.

By Ryan Sabalow • January 23, 2024

Justice

As California closes prisons, the cost of locking someone up hits new record at $132,860

Locking up a California state prisoner for one year costs nearly twice as much as tuition at the state’s top private universities. The number surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and remains high because of inmate medical costs and pay boosts for prison guards and other workers.

By Kristen Hwang and Nigel Duara • January 23, 2024

Homelessness

Homelessness is on the California ballot this March. Will conditions change on the street?

Prop. 1 would funnel more money into housing and treatment for homeless Californians struggling with mental illness and addiction. But it’s far from a one-stop solution.

By Marisa Kendall • January 18, 2024

Capitol

Newsom sides with parents’ rights groups to defend youth tackle football

The Assembly has until the end of January to decide the fate of the youth tackle football bill, which would prevent kids under 12 from playing the sport to protect them from brain trauma.

By Ryan Sabalow • January 16, 2024

Capitol

With tighter budgets, California police seek less time in court

To keep more police on patrols, law enforcement groups would like officers to spend less time in court. Legislation would allow non-sworn community service officers to testify in preliminary hearings instead of police.

By Ryan Sabalow • January 12, 2024

Health

Newsom OK’d a minimum wage increase for health care workers. Now he wants to delay it

About 500,000 California health care workers were expected to see pay increases under a law that set a new minimum wage for their industry. Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to delay the pay bumps until the state budget has a stronger outlook.

By Ana B. Ibarra • January 10, 2024

Politics

California Legislature starts 2024 session with big budget deficit and big protest

State lawmakers reconvene with a lot of problems to fix, but not a lot of money to spend on solutions with a projected $68 billion budget deficit. The first day is cut short by a protest over the Gaza war.

By Jeanne Kuang and Sameea Kamal • January 3, 2024

Housing

New California housing laws aimed to streamline building process take effect in 2024

California lawmakers made an effort in 2023 to remove red tape around building new houses.

By Ben Christopher • January 1, 2024

Health

California new laws for 2024: Cheaper vasectomies and birth control

California adopted several laws to increase access to contraception and abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade. The latest one eliminates out-of-pocket charges for birth control for millions of Californians.

By Ana B. Ibarra • January 1, 2024