CalMatters

The Democrats’ proposal calls for a new felony for drug dealers who cut fentanyl into other drugs and for increased penalties for repeat thieves.

Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, who owns restaurants that serve drinks, has introduced several bills adding requirements for bar owners and drink servers to do more to prevent drink spiking.

A state bill would allow doxxing victims to sue those responsible in civil court for as much as $30,000, plus attorneys’ fees and court costs. Supporters say it’s needed to stem online harassment against LGBTQ residents and others.

In late deals with Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders, proponents are pulling measures off the Nov. 5 ballot. But the Legislature may add others by next week.

Cities no longer are prohibited from punishing homeless people for camping if they have nowhere else to go.

The oil industry’s decision will mean that state rules protecting homes and schools near oil and gas wells will go into effect. The companies instead will fight them in court.

Almost 400 suppliers, two-thirds in communities of color, don't meet safety and reliability standards. Fixing them would cost billions.

Democrats, including Senate leader Mike McGuire of Santa Rosa, defended the budget process and the deal, saying the Legislature held more than a hundred public hearings.

Even when suicidal, California firefighters struggle to find medical help and navigate the workers’ comp morass to pay for it. A 2021 analysis showed their claims were more likely to involve PTSD — and were denied more often.

After her DUI arrest, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo hasn’t stopped talking about her struggles with alcohol. Now she has introduced legislation to educate high school students about the harms of booze.

Workers hired through a nonprofit could lose their jobs at a California state prison this fall. The State Personnel Board found their contract violated state outsourcing rules.

Newsom emphasized in his pre-recorded address how California is standing up against threats to the state’s success: pluralism, innovation and diversity.