CalMatters

The reparations task force meets Saturday in Oakland. It may vote to recommend a state apology and payments to African Americans based on years living in state.

A California bill would hold social media companies legally responsible for addicting kids to their platforms. Tech lobbyists, digital rights advocates, and others say the proposal would run afoul of federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

Trucking companies say the deadlines for converting big rigs, delivery trucks and other heavy vehicles are unachievable and will cause “chaos and dysfunction” of California’s economy. The move is designed to clean communities’ air, especially near ports, warehouses and freeways.

A California housing law grants generous benefits to builders who agree to only hire union workers. Trouble is, few if any builders found a way to do it.

More than a year of mudslinging between the higher education systems has led to delays and anger over the issue of awarding bachelor’s degrees at community colleges. Legislators, frustrated by the lack of progress, are getting involved.

As pandemic relief dollars dwindle, low income families still need help recovering, advocates say. Two bills would expand California’s earned income and young child tax credits for families making as much as $30,000.

A bill to phase out all tobacco sales in California has been shelved, and anti-tobacco groups won’t say why they didn’t offer support. The bill was amended to focus on enforcing an existing ban on flavored tobacco.

Undergraduate student assistants at California State University are mounting a union organizing campaign, calling for more work hours, paid sick time and higher wages.

Democratic voters in California cities are pushing mayors and city councils to clear homeless camps. Leaders are responding with new ordinances, from Sacramento to San Diego.

The online-only community college has made positive steps in the wake of a state audit and legislative criticism.

Up to 60% of 2030 models and two-thirds of 2032 models sold nationwide would be zero-emissions — less aggressive than California’s mandate.

One of the options would override California’s water rights and split the cuts evenly between California, Nevada and Arizona — which would be a big blow to Imperial Valley farmers.