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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
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Federal changes starting in 2027 could impact 1 million L.A. County enrollees.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill directing the state to negotiate contracts with law enforcement agencies to help police the 2028 Games.
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Enrollment decline is steeper than projected this school year and expected state revenue fell.
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Thousands of homes survived last year’s L.A. fires, but were covered in toxic residue. Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed laws setting new rules for smoke damage cleanup.
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Scientists say the coastal erosion from the far-off hurricane that destroyed homes and swallowed beaches is a preview of what’s to come as soon as next month.
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Raman has missed nearly 3,000 votes since being elected in 2020.