California Legislature

The biggest U.S. seller of legal fireworks wants the state to sign a deal with Nevada to stop illegal fireworks from crossing the border. The state fire marshal warns of fireworks danger this July Fourth during the heat wave.

A wave of last-minute deals, mostly negotiated in secrecy, has changed the lineup of measures that will appear on California's November ballot.

Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders put forward a ballot measure to compete with one that would roll back Proposition 47 and increase penalties for theft and drug trafficking. The Democrats’ proposal calls for a new felony for drug dealers who cut fentanyl into other drugs and for increased penalties for repeat thieves.

The total stock portfolio of the Legislature was worth as much as $112 million last year but experts say the public should know more about a politician’s total wealth.

In late deals with Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders, proponents are pulling measures off the Nov. 5 ballot. But the Legislature may add others by next week.

A state bill would allow doxxing victims to sue those responsible in civil court for as much as $30,000, plus attorneys’ fees and court costs. Supporters say it’s needed to stem online harassment against LGBTQ residents and others.

A cosmetologist who relocated to Davis after a family tragedy spent six months trapped in state bureaucracy before she could legally resume her trade in California. A legislative fix could make it easier for others who relocate to California, she says, especially those without loved ones to provide cover.

Gov. Newsom vetoes a pared-back bill to expand voter registration that wasn't the automatic sign-up that supporters originally wanted. Instead, the proposal would create a “preapproved” list for registration.

The governor posts a pre-recorded State of the State speech online and fulfills his duty by sending a text of his remarks to the Legislature. He emphasizes how California is standing up against threats to the state’s success: pluralism, innovation and diversity.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have struck a deal to close a budget deficit, but it was ultimately a self-inflicted crisis, and the budget remains unbalanced when the gimmicks and reserves are taken out.