CalMatters

Civics & Democracy

New California law forces chatbots to protect kids’ mental health

Gov. Gavin Newsom approved mandatory monitoring and reminders when kids use chatbots. But a bill supported by child advocates was left unsigned.

Criminal Justice

California’s Prop. 36 promised ‘mass treatment’ for defendants. A new study shows how it’s going

The biggest study yet on California’s tough-on-crime ballot measure Proposition 36 shows few people are finding their way into the treatment it promised.

People wearing orange jumpsuits are sitting at tables. One person, closest to the foreground, has a shaved head and there is text written on the jumpsuit that reads "CJX. Orange County Jail." Others in the background are out of focus.

Civics & Democracy

Newsom signs controversial bill letting relatives care for kids if parents are deported

The law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom lets more adults step in as caregivers if parents are deported. Critics call it dangerous. Supporters say it protects kids.

A slight silhouette of a mother with a child walking down a hallway with mail boxes on their left side. There are two doors at the end of the doors, a potted plant and windows lighting up the hallway.

Health

Newsom expands his marquee mental health program with new law. Will it help more people?

Gov. Gavin Newsom's CARE Court has helped fewer mentally ill people than he projected. He just signed a new law that will make more people eligible for it.

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a podium with people standing behind him and others sitting in front of him.

Civics & Democracy

Does Prop 50 divide California communities? Depends how you measure it

Prop. 50 would enact a congressional map that helps Democrats, but a new analysis finds it doesn’t change Californians’ representation much on other measures.

An image of voting booths at a polling place in Los Angeles.

Housing & Homelessness

Newsom signs law that will allow mid-rise apartment buildings near major transit stops

After weeks of waiting, the governor signed a law overhauling local zoning to build more housing in California's biggest metro areas.

A photo of the LAX Metro transit station showing an elevator bank and stairs. There are three circular black signs affixed to the outside of the building with different icons shown in white: "M" for Metro, a train and a bus.

Health

Newsom signs first-in-nation law to ban ultraprocessed food in school lunches

State health officials will target ultraprocessed food additives, dyes, chemicals and other ingredients, surpassing federal efforts led by RFK Jr.

Cafeteria workers put slices of pizza on brown plates in a lit cafeteria.

Civics & Democracy

California voters could see faster election results under new state law

California is known for taking weeks to tally its ballots, causing uncertainty and frustration among voters. That could change with a faster turnaround under a new state law.