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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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Apartment hunters with rental assistance were not welcome at many Jamison buildings, in apparent violation of California law, a Capital & Main investigation found.
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The Cedars-Sinai doctor who delivered the baby successfully said the odds of this outcome were “far less than one in a million.”
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Education researchers say happier teachers are more likely to stay and that stability can be good for long-term learning outcomes.
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A Rolex found amid the rubble of the Palisades Fire tests the skill of a popular YouTuber dedicated to watch restoration.
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Fans have until Jan. 13 to enter the draw for a chance to buy tickets. Results will be announced in February.
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Hydee Feldstein Soto called an opposing side’s expert witness for campaign money before a high-profile trial this fall. Her campaign says she didn’t know about the connection.