The California Legislature faced challenges in 2024, including debates over retail theft policies, a budget deficit, and clashes with Gov. Gavin Newsom. Despite the deficit, key legislation was passed, such as a bill preventing school boards from informing parents about students’ gender identity. The Assembly also failed to take up two bills related to reparations, frustrating supporters. The year was the first full year under Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate Pro Tem President Mike McGuire, who saw eye-to-eye with the governor on many bills.
Looking ahead to 2025, legislative leaders have limited the number of bills members can introduce and the new class of legislators is the most diverse yet. After Donald Trump’s presidential election win, Newsom called a special session to allocate funding for the state’s Department of Justice to sue the Trump administration as needed. With a new Trump administration looming, California lawmakers are gearing up for potential conflicts over environmental, immigration, and reproductive rights policies.
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