EvgeniyShkolenkoOPINION – AB 2882 is a long-overdue effort to create reporting systems for county programs that are supposed to spend criminal justice “realignment” dollars to boost mental health services and other non-incarceration-based interventions to assist those with criminal convictions.
Image by wildpixelOPINION – During the 2023-2024 legislative sessions, lawmakers have proposed over 5,500 new laws, many of which will have significant impact on the state economy. Senate Bill 1047 addresses artificial intelligence, and while it may be presented as erecting guardrails around technical challenges, it actually risks harming innovators of all sizes.
Image by Debalina GhoshOPINION – The FRESH Act will remove barriers to necessary services, increase the likelihood of successful reentry for justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community, and maximize utilization of a federally-funded program that benefits California.
Gas Burners. Image by artisteerOPINION – Because consumers have a right to know about the potential health harms of gas stoves, the California Legislature should pass AB 2513 requiring warning labels on gas stoves.
Image by mohd izzuanOPINION – California is grappling with three simultaneous crises: a shortage of affordable housing, land use decisions that subject vulnerable people and communities to dirty air and water, and rapid climate change that has led to record heat waves and dangerous wildfires. We count on our lawmakers to write and pass laws to combat these challenges. Unfortunately, AB 1893, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta, will make them worse.
Image by Serhej CalkaOPINION – California is at a critical juncture in its mission to enhance health data exchange and transform its health care delivery system. Assembly Bill 1331 (Wood) is a key legislative step to realize the full potential of the Data Exchange Framework (DxF) and address the systemic barriers that hinder effective data sharing across the state, a necessary foundation for better health and well-being for all Californians.
Green bottles of medical CBD oil. Image by Inna DodorOPINION – Despite the tremendous natural benefits offered by CBD, there is an effort underway in the California State Legislature that would effectively ban all access to CBD for the millions of Californians who rely on the benefits of CBD products every day.
Los Angeles, California, USA - 12 January 2024: Empty container ship MSC Athos being assisted by a tug boat to enter the port of Los Angeles. Image by Ceri BreezeOPINION – California’s approach to environmental regulations must balance immediate effects with long-term consequences. Recent California Air Resources Board (CARB) amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft Rule highlight the need for this balance.
Image by designer491OPINION – Most retired people live on fixed incomes from Social Security or a pension. In addition, if they have put money aside through retirement accounts, they have calculated how much they need to live and how long their money will last. When inflation outstrips the money they earn, it throws a wrench into those plans.
Offshore wind power and energy farm with many wind turbines on the ocean. Image by NiseriNOPINION – This summer, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) faces a pivotal choice that could make or break the next clean energy industry – offshore wind.