Ballots and Bills
California ballots, bills, and initiatives, including local laws, state assembly bills, and voter ballots.
Calif. Gov. Newsom proclaims Native American Day, signs legislation supporting California’s Native communities
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ — As leaders of Native American tribes from across California gather at the State Capitol to celebrate Native American Day 2024, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed today Native American Day and announced the signing of several bills that advance tribal priorities.
Calif. Gov. Newsom signs bills to protect digital likeness of performers in the new era of AI
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Today, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills to help actors and performers protect their digital likenesses in audio and visual productions, including those who are deceased. This legislation will help ensure the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital media technologies in entertainment by giving workers more protections.
Calif. Gov. Newsom signs ‘smash-and-grab’ bill to strengthen felony sentences for large-scale theft offenses
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Finalizing the complete package of historic bills to crack down on retail and property crime, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom today signed AB 1960 by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to create steeper felony penalties for large-scale felony theft offenses. The bill would mandate that courts impose an enhanced sentence when suspects take, damage, or destroy property valued at over $50,000 during the commission of any felony, including retail theft.
Calif. Legislature Approves Landmark IVF Bill to Require Insurance Coverage for Fertility Healthcare, Sending Measure to Gov. Newsom
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The California State Legislature approved Senate Bill 729, authored by State Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) and sponsored by California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, with bipartisan support today sending the measure to Governor Newsom's desk with votes of 55-0 in the Assembly and 30-8 in the Senate.
New California Laws in Effect as of Jan. 1, 2024, including Landmark Reproductive Rights Legislation
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In partnership with the Legislature, Caliofrnia Governor Gavin Newsom this year signed landmark legislation to support the reproductive rights of Californians, increase affordable housing, hold Big Oil accountable, and protect the safety, health, and well-being of all Californians. New laws impact reproductive rights, the opioid crisis, and mental health crisis.
CA SB729 to Increase Access to Fertility Care for Millions of Californians Postponed to 2024 by Assembly Appropriations Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- State Senator Caroline Menjivar's (D-San Fernando Valley) Senate Bill 729, sponsored by California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, was converted to a two-year bill by the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday. The bill can be considered again as early as January 2024.
Calif. Governor Newsom Issues Legislative Update 7.21.23 for Signed and Vetoed Bills
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- On Friday, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he has signed the following bills: First, AB 72 by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) – Coastal resources: research: landslides and erosion: early warning system.
CA Gov. Newsom Signs $100B California Comeback Plan SB 129 to Accelerate State’s Recovery and Address Ongoing Challenges
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 129, legislation that reflects the majority of the 2021-22 state budget agreement. This transformative budget includes the biggest economic recovery package in California’s history – a $100 billion California Comeback Plan.
Mental Health Awareness License Plate Winning Design submitted by BeingwellCA
LAFAYETTE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- BeingwellCA, a California 501(c)(3), submitted the initial design for the Mental Health Awareness License Plate to California Department of Education for DMV review.
Calif. Gov. Newsom Previews $1B Budget Proposal to Jump-Start New California Homeless Fund
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- As a national homelessness crisis spreads across the West Coast and cities across the country, Governor Gavin Newsom is continuing his Administration’s comprehensive response to the crisis through a combination of new accountability measures, unprecedented proposed new resources, and an executive order to significantly reduce and prevent street homelessness, connect people to services and build housing faster.
Keep Our Seniors Safe Act Signed by Gov. Newsom – safe gun storage requirements for firearms retained by residential care facilities...
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Consumer Advocates for RCFE Reform (CARR) announces that California Governor Newsom signed the Keep Our Seniors Safe Act, a part of SB 172 (Portantino) which was signed into law on 12 October, 2019.
Former Calif. State Assemblyman Mike Gatto Introduces Ballot Initiative on Homelessness
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, former California state Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D – Los Angeles) submitted to the Attorney General for title and summary a ballot initiative that radically changes the state’s approach to homelessness. The initiative would treat certain existing crimes (“Intervention Predicates,”) as cries for help –- opportunities to both engage the homeless and return respect for the law on our streets
Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Nation’s Strongest Statewide Renter Protection Legislation
OAKLAND, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, surrounded by dozens of legislative leaders, working families and rent advocates in the East Bay, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law today a series of bills to fight a key cause of our state’s housing crisis – rent gouging and evictions.
Keep Our Seniors Safe Act Passes Senate Committee – CA Sentator Portantino’s SB 172
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Consumer Advocates for RCFE Reform (CARR) announces its collaboration and partnership with California State Senator Anthony Portantino (D, SD 25) in the drafting of Senate Bill 172 Firearms, enhancing safe storage protections for the two most vulnerable populations in our society: the elderly and children.
Calif. Bill Clarifying Sale of Hemp-Derived CBD Clears First Hurdle in California Assembly
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, Legislation that would clarify that hemp-derived CBD is legal for manufacture, distribution and sale in California has been approved unanimously by the Assembly Committee on Health (ref: AB-228).
Calif. Assemblymember Marc Levine Introduces Legislation to Ban Smoking at State Beaches and Parks – AB 1718
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Marc Levine (D – Marin County) this week (Feb. 22) introduced legislation that will prohibit smoking at state beaches and parks. AB 1718 (D-Marin County) is similar to legislation authored by Assemblymember Levine, which would have banned smoking at designated picnic areas on state beaches and state parks.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Legislation to Revamp California Bail System
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Taking action to revamp California’s bail system, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Tuesday (Aug. 28) signed Senate Bill 10, the California Money Bail Reform Act, which preserves the rights of the accused, while prioritizing public safety.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Legislation including AB 2782 California Environmental Quality Act
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week (Aug. 24), Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that he has signed the following bills: First,AB 1887 by Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside) – Public education governance: service on boards and commissions.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Legislation for Aug. 2018 including Surfing as the Official State Sport
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, Calif. Gov. Brown signed numerous bills into law on Aug. 20, 2018, including Assembly Bill No. 1782, establishing surfing as the official state sport. List of additional bills signed follows.
Calif. Legislature Approves McCarty Measure to Ban For-Profit Charter Schools – AB 406
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California State Legislature today approved AB 406 by Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), which would prohibit for-profit corporations from managing and operating charter schools in the Golden State. This bipartisan measure was approved by the State Senate on a 28 to 7 vote and by the State Assembly on a 49 to 15 vote.
Calif. Gov. Brown Issues Legislative Update for July 16-18, 2018 – New Bills Signed for California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that he has signed the following bills on July 18: AB 216 by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) – Vote by mail ballots: identification envelopes: prepaid postage. (continued)
Measure to Prohibit Bounty Signature Gathering, Passes California State Senate – SB 1394
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A measure by that would prohibit the practice of paying signature gatherers on a per-signature basis, was approved by the California State Senate today. Senate Bill (SB) 1394, authored by Fullerton Democrat Josh Newman, passed the Senate on a x-x vote.
Calif. Assembly Approves McCarty Legislation Promoting STEM Education Through After School Coding Courses for Kids
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California State Assembly has approved AB 2098 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D – Sacramento), which would establish the After School Kids Code Grant Pilot Program to provide funding for after school programs that promote STEM education and focus on computer coding as part of their curriculum. The measure was approved on a 65 to 0 vote.
SB1030: Measure to Make Distracted Driving a Moving Violation Passes California State Senate
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California State Senate this past week voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill (SB) 1030 by Fullerton Senator Josh Newman. The measure aims to further deter distracted driving by making the offense a moving violation, which would add a point to a driver’s record.
Calif. Assemblymembers McCarty and Gonzalez Fletcher Will Continue Push to Make Youth Football Safer
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty (D- Sacramento) and Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D – San Diego) this past week reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing legislation that will make youth football as safe as possible through the “Safe Youth Football Act,” which will protect children from brain injury by establishing a minimum age of 12 to play in organized tackle football programs.
Measure to Reduce Distracted Driving in California Passes Senate Appropriations – SB1030
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Senate Bill (SB) 1030, authored by Fullerton Senator Josh Newman, passed out of the Senate Appropriations committee today on a 7-0 vote. The measure would add a point to a driver’s record if the driver is caught driving while handling a mobile device.
CA Senate Bill to Create More Earning Opportunities for Military Families in Transportation Industry
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senate Bill (SB) 1080 passed out of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee on Tuesday on a 13-0 vote. The measure would allow active duty military and their spouses and family members to drive for transportation network companies (TNC) immediately upon their relocation to California, with a valid out-of-state driver’s license.
CA Assemblymembers Weber and McCarty Announce Landmark Policy to Address Deadly Use of Force
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, Calif. Assemblymembers Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. (D-San Diego) and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) were joined by a representative of Stephon Clark’s family, community members and activists to announce legislation aimed at making significant changes to how law enforcement deploys lethal force against civilians.
CA Gov. Brown and Legislative Leaders Partner to Bolster Climate Resilience, Improve Disaster Planning, Management and Response
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Following a year of devastating floods, fires, mudslides and other extreme weather, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.this week joined Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates, Assembly Republican Leader Brian Dahle and Senate President pro Tempore-designee Toni Atkins in partnering on solutions this year that will make California more resilient against the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.
New Bill: Calif. Drivers able to Choose their License Photo under SB 1407 by CA Senator Newman
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) this week introduced SB 1407 to allow drivers to choose the photo which goes on their California state driver’s license. SB 1407 would allow drivers to take more than one photo when they are at the Department of Motor Vehicles with an additional fee assessed for each additional photo taken.
Measure by Calif. Senator Newman Creates More Earning Opportunities for Military Families, Veterans – SB 1080
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) introduced a measure today to improve the transition prospects of active duty military, veterans, and their spouses. Senate Bill (SB) 1080 would allow active duty military, veterans, and their spouses to drive for transportation network companies immediately upon their relocation to California, with a valid out-of-state driver’s license.
Calif. Assemblymembers McCarty and Gonzalez Fletcher Announce ‘Safe Youth Football Act’ to Protect Children from Brain Injury
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty (D- Sacramento) and Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D – San Diego) this month announced the “Safe Youth Football Act”, which will protect children from brain injury by establishing a minimum age to play in organized tackle football programs. This bill would follow the advice of medical professions and allow high-contact elements from football programs only at the high school level.
Calif. Senator Newman Introduces Legislation to Hold California Distracted Drivers Accountable
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) introduced legislation this past week that aims to dramatically reduce the incidence of distracted driving on California roads and highways. Senate Bill (SB) 1030, introduced in the Senate today, will strengthen current distracted driving penalties by making distracted driving a moving violation, and adding a point to the driver’s motor vehicle record for electronic device violations.
Calif. Assemblymembers McCarty and Ting Demand ‘Tax Justice’ for Middle Class Californians
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- With the recently approved Republican tax giveaway largely benefiting billionaires, Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D – Sacramento) and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D – San Francisco) this week introduced ACA 22, which will redirect half of the federal corporate tax cut to support middle class families in California.
Calif. Asm. Kevin McCarty Introduces Measure to Make CA Legislators Pay for Sexual Harassment Payouts – AB 1750
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Fulfilling his commitment to address sexual harassment at the State Capitol, Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D – Sacramento), on Wednesday introduced AB 1750, which would require the California State Senate and the California State Assembly to seek reimbursement for any sexual harassment settlements paid by the Legislature when there is clear evidence of wrongdoing by a legislator.
Calif. Assemblymember McCarty Calls for California Legislators to be Financially Liable for Sexual Harassment Claims
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) released the following statement on his commitment to end sexual harassment in the California Legislature. As the State Assembly looks into ways to further protect workers from sexual harassment and abuse, Assemblymember McCarty has offered a number of reforms to increase accountability of elected officials and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Legislation To Protect California’s Hard-Working Immigrants
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed a package of bills to enhance housing, school, workplace and civil protections for California's immigrants. "This action protects public safety and ensures hard-working people who contribute to our state are respected," said Governor Brown.
Calif. Measure to Expand Educational Access for Refugees Signed Into Law – AB343
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A measure which will provide refugees with in-state tuition at California Community Colleges during their first year of residency was signed into law today by Governor Jerry Brown (D - California). Assembly Bill (AB) 343, part of the 'California Welcomes Refugees' legislative package, furthers the Golden State’s efforts to integrate refugee immigrants into our state.
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Legislative Updates, Bills Signed into Law, for Sept. 26-28, 2017
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that he has signed the following bills, including: AB 184 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Sea level rise planning: database, and AB 333 by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) – State Highway Route 185: relinquishment: County of Alameda.
Calif. Governor Brown Signs Legislative Package to Address Housing Crisis, including AB678
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Brown signed a package of housing bills that will provide a combined $4 billion in funding for affordable housing from bond sales, document recording fees and to red tape during the development project approval process. Included in the package is Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) Assembly Bill 678.
Calif. State Legislature Approves Bill to Fix Unemployment Crisis for Classified School Employees – AB 621
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Thursday, the California State Assembly sent to the Governor legislation by Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) that will provide vital financial assistance to more than 284,000 classified school employees in California who live paycheck to paycheck. Assemblymember Bocanegra introduced the legislation to bridge the financial burden that classified employees face during the summer months, which often forces them to rely on food banks, max out credit cards, or collect cans on the side of the road.
Calif. Measure to Ensure Fairness in the Election Process Approved by the Legislature – SB 45
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 45 (SB 45). The measure, which will ensure fairness in elections throughout California, passed the Senate Floor on the special consent calendar with bipartisan support and no opposition
In California, Late Rock n’ Roll Legend Ritchie Valens Gets Highway Designation
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, California approved Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) ACR 23, officially naming a portion of Interstate 5 between State Route 170 and State Route 118 in the northeast San Fernando Valley after rock and roll icon Ritchie Valens.
Calif. Governor Brown Signs Bocanegra Bill to Reduce Railroad Fatalities – AB 695
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) legislation to improve safety at railroad crossings for pedestrians and motorists was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. AB 695 would require safety arms to lower and vehicles to stop at a safe distance whenever railroad equipment passes through a crossing.
Calif. Senator Mendoza Announces SCA 12 Constitutional Amendment Passes Key Committee Vote
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) announced the passage of Senate Constitutional Amendment 12 (SCA 12) today. The measure, which will update the rules and guidelines in the California Constitution regarding County governance, passed through the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee with a bipartisan vote of 4-1.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Assemblymember Bocanegra’s Bill to Curb Illegal Dumping – AB 332
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) measure to crack down on illegal dumping on city streets was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown today. AB 332 would allow local municipalities to pass ordinances to close streets and roads where excessive illegal dumping occurs.
Calif. Legislation to Repeal Anti-Immigrant Provisions in Prop. 187 Passes Senate Committee – AB 222
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. Senate Public Safety Committee voted 5-2 to repeal anti-immigrant sections of the California Penal Code, enacted in 1994 as part of Proposition 187 to fight the perceived ills of illegal immigration and unfairly punish undocumented immigrants in California. Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) AB 222 would place a measure on the 2020 ballot that would ask voters to bring equity to California’s criminal justice laws by ensuring the use and manufacturing of a false immigration documents carries the same penalties for the use and production of a fake driver’s license.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Improved Nursing Home Care Standards into Law After Being Outdated for Nearly 20 Years
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- For nearly two decades nursing home workers have taken care of patients with inadequate care standards that put the elderly and those with disabilities at risk of injuries, falls, or insufficient supervision. Today, Governor Jerry Brown changed that by allocating monies in the final budget that would allow for the implementation of safer staffing standards for better care and working conditions in nursing homes. The decision comes after years of negotiations between SEIU 2015 nursing home workers and state leaders.
CA Legislation to Repeal Anti-Immigrant Provisions in Prop. 187 Approved by Calif. State Assembly
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. State Assembly voted 54-21 to approve legislation to bring equity to California’s criminal justice laws, by ensuring the use and manufacturing of false immigration documents carries the same penalties as the use and production of a fake driver’s license. Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra's (D-Pacoima) AB 222 requires California voters to repeal sections 113 and 114 of the California Penal Code.
Calif. Asm. Frazier Passes Environmental and Lifestyle Bill Package to California Senate
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Discovery Bay) passed his remaining bills from the Assembly Floor leading up to today’s House of Origin deadline. Ten of his bills were brought up for a vote this week, passed and now head to the Senate.
