Politics

Capitol

California business and labor make a deal on workplace violation lawsuits

Business and labor groups announce an agreement to limit a California law on class-action workplace lawsuits and avoid a battle at the ballot box in November.

By Jeanne Kuang • June 18, 2024

Rally attendees cheer as Sen. Monique Limón speaks in support of SB 299, which would expand voter registration efforts, at the Capitol in Sacramento on June 12, 2024. Photo by Cristian Gonzalez for CalMatters.

Elections

‘Automatic’ registration would boost California’s voter rolls. What’s the downside?

Advocates say expanding voter registration will help more Black and Latino Californians have a say at the ballot box. But other voter groups say registering to vote should still be voluntary — and they don’t see the bill as an effective way to increase voter diversity.

By Sameea Kamal • June 18, 2024

Assemblymember Liz Ortega, a San Leandro Democrat, addresses reporters on newly unveiled legislation on taxing the rich, during a press conference at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Jan. 23, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Politics

How California’s nonprofits got dragged into a fight between unions and local governments

A California Democratic lawmaker took a shot at the salaries of nonprofit CEOs after they opposed her union-backed bill that would add new disclosure requirements for local government contractors.

By Ryan Sabalow • June 17, 2024

Capitol

Gavin Newsom and top Democrats are deciding California’s budget behind closed doors

The Legislature passes a placeholder state budget, but must still negotiate with Gov. Newsom on the final deal. How the state spends taxpayer money is largely being decided out of public view.

By Alexei Koseff • June 13, 2024

Section of rock covered mostly by sea snails with blue-black and pearlescent shells. Since the middle of the 20th century, development of the California coastline has exploded and these areas are now home to millions of people. Prior to this era, the coastlines were dominated by black abalone. Photo by Michael Ready, National Park Service

Capitol

This seashell could be California’s next state symbol

A bill before the Legislature would select the black abalone as California’s official seashell. The author says it represents the threat of climate change and honors its history with Native American tribes.

By Jenna Peterson • June 12, 2024

Fast-food workers and other SEIU members marched to the Capitol to deliver postcards and petitions in support of AB257 to the Governor's Office on May 31, 2022. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Politics

Find out which lobbying groups get their way most often in the California Legislature

Progressive groups, labor and civil rights organizations do well, while anti-tax, business and police fare poorly, according to a CalMatters Digital Democracy analysis.

By Ryan Sabalow • June 12, 2024

Flanked by lawmakers and gun safety advocates, Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference where he signed new gun legislation into law at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento on Sept. 26, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Capitol

A workplace safety board bucked Gavin Newsom. Now he’s shaking it up

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is about to pass long-awaited rules to protect workers from indoor heat. The governor’s office demoted the board’s chairperson and removed another member who criticized the administration.

By Jeanne Kuang • June 11, 2024

Yusef Miller, of the North County Equity and Justice Coalition, speaks at the dais during a CLERB meeting at the San Diego County Administration Center on Oct. 17, 2023. The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board meeting at the San Diego County Administration Center on Oct. 17, 2023. Photo by Kristian Carreon for CalMatters

Capitol

Some California officials can meet remotely. For local advisory boards, state lawmakers say no

A bill to allow local advisory boards to keep COVID remote meeting rules fails in the Legislature. The debate centered over making it easier for board members to participate — or giving Californians the chance to address public officials face to face.

By Sameea Kamal • June 11, 2024

Hotel workers and Unite Here Local 11 supporters sit-in during a protest at one of the main entrances to LAX airport, on June 22, 2023. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

Capitol

California is sitting on millions that could boost wage theft response

Lawmakers and the governor use a fund reserved for labor enforcement to plug budget holes, and leave tens of millions unspent. Business and labor agree more of the money could be spent to hire more staff to speed investigations of wage theft claims.

By Jeanne Kuang • June 10, 2024

Flanked by lawmakers and gun safety advocates, Gov. Gavin Newsom signs new gun legislation into law at the Capitol annex in Sacramento on Sept. 26, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Why Gavin Newsom’s gun control constitutional amendment hasn’t gone beyond California

Since Gov. Newsom proposed a 28th Amendment one year ago, there has been far more progress on online petitions than in other state legislatures. His team says the effort will pick up speed in 2025.

By Alexei Koseff • June 7, 2024