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Legislators Want Gov. Newsom's Signature On COVID-19 Bills — Also Meant To Prepare For Future Pandemics

An emergency room doctor paints a mural to honor medical workers during the coronavirus pandemic on June 22 in San Francisco. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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Legislative deliberations this year were defined by quarantined lawmakers, emergency recesses and chaotic video voting — plus a late-night partisan dust-up that led to the death of dozens of bills by the time lawmakers gaveled out early Tuesday morning. Nonetheless, legislators managed to send Gov. Gavin Newsom nearly 430 bills, roughly 40% of the number they'd send in a typical year, according to Sacramento lobbyist Chris Micheli.

Among them were about two dozen COVID-related bills that addressed a range of challenges, including dire shortages of protective gear, sick leave for workers, and the administration of a hoped-for COVID-19 vaccine. The measures broadly fit into three categories: dealing with the current crisis, protecting workers and consumers, and preparing for future pandemics.

Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign the bills into law or veto them.

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