On June 30, 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two budget trailer bills—AB 130 and SB 131—that together work major changes both to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and California housing law. Because these bills...more
On June 9, 2025, California State Senate Democrats voted in caucus to elect Sen. Monique Limón (D-Goleta) as the next president pro tempore. She is set to succeed current Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire in early 2026,...more
The governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal breaks the cycle of deficits past with a cautiously optimistic projection of a $322.2 million surplus. The source of this modest surplus, which comes as a great surprise to many still...more
The March 5 primary is right around the corner in California. Headlining the ballot—alongside a slate full of legislative Democrat-on-Democrat primary battles reflecting significant turnover due to term limits—is Proposition...more
As legislators in Washington, D.C., and in statehouses around the country turn their focus to artificial intelligence (AI), California is once again trying to assert itself as a national leader on issues of emerging...more
California’s latest move on climate change is expected to bring “national and global repercussions.” Once signed (Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his intention to do so), Senate Bill 253, the Climate Corporate Data Accountability...more
California lawmakers wrapped up the 2023 session last Thursday night. With over 2,600 bills introduced this session, hundreds still await the governor’s signature. Gov. Gavin Newsom has a deadline of Oct. 14 to sign or veto...more
A flurry of activity will mark the last two weeks of the session of the California State Legislature. When they convene on Tuesday, Sept. 5, the Assembly will have eight session days scheduled with the Senate having seven...more
On Friday, May 12, California Gov. Gavin Newsom held a press conference to present the May Revise to the 2023-24 state budget proposal. This budget updates the governor's January budget announcement by demonstrating a...more