One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
Which of these 2025 bills will Gavin Newsom sign?
The fate of hundreds of bills recently approved by the Legislature now rests with Gov. Gavin Newsom. He has one month to sign or veto any measures passed in the final days before the session ended Sept. 13.
As his attention turns ever more toward national politics, how might Newsom’s approach change this year? What bill signings will he highlight to the public or bury in a late-night news dump? Could he veto more proposals as he tries to distance himself from contentious liberal policies and chart a more moderate image?
Last year, Newsom vetoed about 18% of nearly 1,000 bills passed in the final days (and nearly 16% of all 1,200 bills passed by the Legislature in 2024). That was already higher than his historical average.
Typically, the governor gives a few reasons for vetoing bills: He deems them bad policy or redundant or calculates that their potential cost threatens to worsen the state’s budget situation. But he also blocks bills because they’re controversial or opposed by powerful special interests.
While the Legislature can override vetoes, it takes a two-thirds vote in both the Assembly and Senate, which rarely happens. Governors can also allow bills to become law without their signature, but that doesn’t occur very often, either.
Here are some noteworthy bills CalMatters reporters are tracking. Bookmark this page for updates.
Immigration
Housing
Education
Law enforcement
Climate and environment
Technology
Reparations
Cannabis
-
An important new study offers much-needed data to inform older Americans of the risks and benefits they must weigh when facing major surgery.
-
Victories for Rocío Rivas and Kelly Gonez strengthen United Teachers Los Angeles' political position at a crucial moment for the union.
-
Need a food gift for the gourmand in your life? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
-
Why California's cute, troubled, disruptive wild burros are in danger of causing 'catastrophic harm'It’s hard not to find the curious, fuzzy-eared equids endearing. But they can also mow down vegetation, stomp on homes of native species and even disrupt military operations.
-
New faces are in and longstanding members are gone. We help you understand who's who and what's next.
-
Sheriff's officials said the 22-year-old man was released "due to the extreme complexity of the investigation."