The governor asked state lawmakers to introduce a windfall tax that would cap oil companies’ profits, tax at a higher rate any earnings above that ceiling and return the money to taxpayers via rebates.

As other states restrict or ban abortions, the California laws aim to improve access and protect patients and clinicians. They will also expand services to accommodate an expected influx from other states.

The new law addresses serious problems with nursing home licensing in California, but some elder care advocates say it misses a chance to protect residents and consumers.

This November, voters will be asked to consider seven thorny policy proposals, from abortion to zero emission vehicles.

California’s lawmakers that vow no one will pay a dime by tax time next spring.

The Legislature has until Aug. 31 to approve the proposals, and the three most controversial bills have been shelved.

With time running out, state lawmakers likely will have to choose between alienating a powerful union and streamlining affordable housing development, as construction trades are at an impasse regarding their support for key housing legislation. 

State legislators last week killed dozens of bills, including some controversial proposals on health care costs, social media regulation, pay transparency, climate change and much, more more.

Warning that the water supply will shrink by 10% due to climate change, Newsom set targets for recycled water and increased storage. But deadlines are distant, details are scant and there is no conservation.

Abortion, guns, Covid, housing, nursing homes, criminal justice, unions, environment and internet are some of the top issues the Legislature will be tackling in August.

Under amendments made public June 30, only public prosecutors, such as the state attorney general and county district attorneys, would have the power to bring civil lawsuits against social media giants for deploying designs or features they know will addict kids.

University of California and Cal State campuses will all start providing medication abortion beginning Jan. 1 under a new state law. In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, opening up abortion appointments on university campuses could ease pressure on local clinics.

Californians who don’t file taxes — because they don’t earn enough to owe any — won’t receive the new round of state payments. That includes some seniors and disabled people, as well as some of the lowest-income adults.

The last statewide eviction protections for low-income California tenants affected by COVID-19 ended July 1, but many still haven’t heard back about their rent relief applications.

Gov. Newsom and the Legislature cut a California cannabis tax, but not everyone is convinced it’s enough to stabilize the legal market. Social equity operators say the changes don’t do nearly enough to help them.

After weeks of talks, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders announce a tax relief plan that includes refunds of as much as $1,050, part of a $300 billion budget deal announced Sunday night.