Ballots and Bills

California ballots, bills, and initiatives, including local laws, state assembly bills, and voter ballots.

California Conflict of Interest Laws Target of Bill by Senator Tony Mendoza – SB 330

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) introduced SB 330 to restore public trust and accountability in government by strengthening...

Calif. Senator Isadore Hall and Assemblymember Adam Gray Introduce Legislation Authorizing iPoker in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Isadore Hall, III (D – South Bay), Chairman of the Senate Governmental Organization Committee and Assemblymember Adam...

Calif. Senator Mendoza Bill Protects Children from Drug Trafficking, Manufacturing Near Schools – SB 212

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In an effort to crack down on the manufacturing and sale of illicit drugs near schools, Senator Tony Mendoza...

California vs. Big Plastic says Plastic Bag Companies are Spending Millions to Repeal Ban

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- According to a news release this week from the grassroots California vs. Big Plastic organization, plastic bag companies have...

Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto Introduces DNA Privacy Bill – AB 170

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A government repository of the DNA of all children born? It sounds like something out of 20th Century...

Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto Introduces Legislation to Dramatically Improve Probate Process, Cut Fees for Families – AB 139

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) introduced legislation to improve probate process and cut Fees for families (AB 139)....

Calif. Assemblyman Gatto Continues Groundbreaking 'Wiki Bill' Project, Invites Public to Directly Draft Privacy Legislation

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) announced that he is continuing his groundbreaking opportunity to allow individual...

Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto Introduces Bill to Create New DNA Testing Regime to Solve Crimes – AB 84

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Assemblyman Mike Gatto, a former constitutional lawyer, today introduced AB 84, which would allow DNA testing to resume in...

'California vs. Big Plastic' Files Complaint with Calif. Secretary of State Alleging Deception by Referendum Signature Gatherers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Supporters of the state's plastic bag ban, collectively calling themselves "California vs. Big Plastic," today filed a complaint with...

California Legislation to Create Statewide Hit-and-Run Alert System Re-introduced – AB 8

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) announced his continued his fight for hit-and-run victims in California, yesterday reintroducing legislation...

Calif. Assemblyman Gatto Calls for Greater Transparency and Disclosure for Government Officials – AB10

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A key reform was introduced by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) today – AB 10, which would increase financial-disclosure requirements...

Californians Can Still Access Over $37 million in Middle Class Tuition Assistance – AB 94

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), Chairman of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, called upon the California...

California Bill to Facilitate Texting to 911, Modernize Emergency Communications signed into Law – SB 1211

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Gov. Brown this past week signed Senate Bill 1211, authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima). The bill moves...

California Bill to Protect Campus Crime Victims signed into Law – AB 1433

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week, a closely watched and highly anticipated bill by Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) to "ensure...

California Student Social-Media Privacy Bill Signed Into Law – AB 1442

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Social-media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have stoked concerns from parents about how to protect the privacy of...

Landmark California Plastic Bag Ban Signed into Law – SB 270

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/-- This week, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Senate Bill 270 which will phase out single-use plastic bags in...

California Legislation to Create New Funding Stream for Water Efficiency Signed by Gov. Brown – AB 2636

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Another key water-conservation bill introduced by Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), and co-authored by Assemblymember Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley),...

California Legislation to Protect Healthcare Workers Signed into Law by Gov. Brown

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senate Bill 1299 authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Padilla) was signed by Governor Brown this week. The bill...

Landmark California Recycled-Water Bill Signed by Gov. Brown as 2014 Drought Persists

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Most homeowners want cheaper water bills. If provided the infrastructure, they'd gladly use recycled water to wash cars...

California Bill of Rights for senior RCFE residents, to reform oversight of assisted living centers, singed into law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ Calif. Governor Jerry Brown’s signing this week of several bills to aid California seniors by improving oversight of assisted living...

California legislation to protect and preserve sacred Native American landmarks signed into law by Gov. Brown

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After nearly two years of negotiation, legislation to protect and preserve sacred Native American landmarks was signed by Governor...

Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Bill Cutting Byzantine California Solar Rooftop Permitting Procedures for Homeowners – AB 2188

TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Hardhat-wearing solar installers, local business leaders, and elected officials gathered at the Torrance Chamber of Commerce today to celebrate...

Calif. Bill Increasing Penalties for Frivolous Lawsuits Signed Into Law by Gov. Brown – AB 2494

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Thursday, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assemblyman Ken Cooley’s AB 2494 to curb frivolous litigation tactics....

Calif. Gov. Brown signs Computer Science Bill for California Students – SB 1200

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SB 1200 by Calif. State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) was signed by Governor Brown on Saturday. The bill...

Calif. Gov. Brown signs California Bill to Increase Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – AB2656

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 2565, authored by Assemblymember Muratsuchi (D–Torrance), a...

Calif. Gov. Brown Signs California Green HOV Sticker Bill – AB 2013

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 2013, authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), which...

Gov. Brown Signs Historic Deal for California Film Tax Credit Extension for Five Years

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After months of intensive negotiations, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown joined Assemblymembers Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) and Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima)...

Calif. Bill Strengthening Active Management of State IT Projects Signed Into Law by Gov. Brown

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Wednesday, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assemblyman Ken Cooley’s AB 2523 to strengthen top level management...

Calif. Legislature Approves Bill Focused on Seafood Mislabeling – SB1138

SACAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, the Calif. State Senate gave final legislative approval to Senate Bill 1138. The bill, by Senator Alex...

To Combat Calif. Hit-and-Run Problem, Assemblyman Gatto Sends Two Landmark Bills to Gov. Brown

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, advocates for street safety are celebrating as two landmark bills by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), which seek...

Plastic Bag Ban Would Phase Out Single-Use Plastic Bags in California, approved by Assembly – SB 270

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the Calif. State Assembly approved SB 270 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), Senator Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles)...

Calif. Student Social-Media Privacy Bill Passes Legislature – AB 1442

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Social-media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have stoked concerns from parents about how to protect the privacy of...

Calif. Bill of Rights for seniors in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly approved by Senate

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the California State Assembly voted 55-16 to approve a bill by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) that...

Calif. Legislation to Protect Healthcare Workers Headed to Governor – SB 1299

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senate Bill 1299 authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Padilla) won final legislative approval today in the State Senate. The bill would require hospitals to establish comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. According to the bill's backers, "Violent attacks at California hospitals underscore need for more healthcare worker protections."

Calif. Governor Brown Signs Legislation – New Laws Signed Aug. 21, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that he has signed the following bills, including AB 1455 by Assemblymember Nora Campos (D-San Jose) - Pupils: bullying: counseling services, and AB 1583 by Assemblymember Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) - Controller: state funds: reporting. Complete list follows.

California Military Sexual Assault Legislation Signed by Governor Brown

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill 1422 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima). The law removes investigations and prosecutions of military sexual assault cases from the chain of command in the California Military Department ensuring that there is no conflict of interest in the evaluation and prosecution of sexual assault cases. SB 1422 goes into effect on January 1, 2015.

State Legislature Passes Bill Streamlining California Solar Permitting – AB 2188

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Bill (AB) 2188, by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D– Torrance), was approved today by the State Legislature with...

Bill to Mandate Child-Abuse Training for California Teachers Clears Senate – AB 1432

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Los Angeles) bill to strengthen training requirements and prevent child abuse in schools passed the...

State Legislature Approves California High School Advanced Computer Science Bill – SB 1200

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SB 1200 by Calif. State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) won final legislative approval after a unanimous bipartisan vote of...

Calif. Senate Approves Innovation Awards for Creative Californians to Help Streamline State Government – AB 2138

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Good-government advocates rejoiced today after the California Senate passed the Innovation Awards bill by a vote of 31-4, says...

Covered California access to Vision Care for Adults heads to Senate for Vote – AB 1877

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova) announced that his bill to improve access to vision care for adults...

Calif. Legislation to Ban State Sale and Display of Confederate Flag Approved by Senate

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legislation by Calif. Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III (D- Los Angeles) to prohibit the State of California from selling or...

Calif. Assemblymember Hall Statement on AB 1576, requiring condom use in adult films, was held in Senate Appropriations Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III (D – Los Angeles) released the following statement after his AB 1576, requiring...

Gatto Introduces California Legislation to Prevent Evidence Destruction at Gun Buy-Back Programs

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- What is the quickest way to get rid of a murder weapon? Unfortunately, in some cities, it is turning...

Senate Bill Strengthening California Voting Rights Act Headed to Gov. Brown – SB 1365

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A bill that would strengthen the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) is on its way to the desk of...

Calif. Assembly Passes Bill that Levels Playing Field for Aerospace Companies – SB 718

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Assemblymember Muratsuchi, Chair of the Select Committee on Aerospace, released the following statement on the passage of SB 718...

Bill to Strengthen California Voting Rights Act Approved by State Assembly – SB 1365

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A bill to strengthen voter protections under the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) was approved today by the State...

Calif. Military Sexual Assault Legislation Headed to Governor Brown – SB 1422

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A bill to remove investigations and prosecutions of military sexual assault cases from the chain of command is headed...

Calif. Assemblymember Muratsuchi Statement on Solar Lobby Day with Tech Firms at State Capitol to promote AB 2188

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assemblymember Muratsuchi released the following statement on the Solar Lobby Day that was jointly sponsored by The...

Calif. Governor Brown Issues Legislative Update for July 21, 2014 – Signs Bills into Law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that he has signed the following bills, including: AB 230...