This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom 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
-
This court observer program started last summer when the Trump administration’s deportation campaign ramped up in Southern California.
-
The divisive 4-3 vote approves the issue of preliminary layoff notices to more than 3,000 employees.
-
Safe parking lots, street medicine and hygiene programs for unhoused Angelenos could all be on the chopping block, according to a recent city report.
-
All net proceeds from the sales will go toward developing affordable housing in the city, according to officials.
-
In meeting materials posted late Friday night, the district proposed giving notice to thousands of employees and closing hundreds of additional positions.
-
Steers’ fascination with the bald eagle population in Big Bear Valley helped launch a worldwide fandom.