Sen. Jesse Arreguín. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol Weekly Jesse Arreguín became Berkeley’s mayor just as Donald Trump first took the White House. Now, as the Democrat enters the California Senate representing District 7, he’s preparing to face similar challenges on a much bigger stage.
Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom. Photo by Associated PressIn the latest Capitol Weekly poll we wanted to get a sense from voters about how they are responding to the outcome of the presidential election. We surveyed nearly 1,200 California voters and found an electorate that is just as divided as ever and Democrats, in particular, in a funk.
Image by Sparky2000There are numerous types of bills introduced in the California Legislature each year, and an equal number of rules for how and when they are presented. In this week’s Micheli Files, lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli gives us the lowdown on legislation under the dome.
Sen. Tom Umberg and Assemblymembers Marc Berman and Steve Bennett. Photo by Jeff Walters, Senate Rules PhotographyTuesday at the Capitol saw a very chilly morning press conference to announce new efforts to protect both California consumers and our canine friends from the dangers of out-of-state puppy mills. Plus, packages of fire response and recovery measures, some interesting bills from other states and Denmark looking to buy…California!
Image by DeagreezSpecial interest groups paid contract lobbying firms more than $81.397 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, the third highest quarter during California’s 2023-24 legislative cycle, according to a Capitol Weekly analysis of lobbying firm reports.
Image by OcusFocusOPINION – California lawmakers have an opportunity to help small businesses suffering in the wake of the devastating fire in Los Angeles to rebuild stronger and more prepared for whatever the future might hold, with straightforward investments and protections.
The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA. Image by jsolieWhat is a “resolution” in the California Legislature? Although resolutions and concurrent resolutions are mentioned several times in Article IV of the California Constitution, neither term is defined in that document.
Image by SmileStudioAPAt the end of bills in the California Legislature, there may be “plus sections,” which are uncodified provisions that may do a number of things, such as expressing legislative intent, making legislative findings and declarations, or explaining why a bill may have a certain designation, such as a special statute or an urgency statute.
Image by Scharfsinn86OPINION – California recently withdrew its EPA waiver request for its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation in anticipation of the Trump administration’s opposition. However, CARB need not abandon ACF; the regulation could be reformed as a “feebate” incentive, which would circumvent federal preemption and could also have other advantages over an inflexible standard.
Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Photo courtesy of the California Assembly Democratic OfficeAs Assembly Majority Leader, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry guides her party’s legislative strategy, coordinates with committee chairs and helps ensure the efficient progression of bills. As chair of the bipartisan Legislative Women’s Caucus, she helps promote policies and budget priorities that improve the well-being of women, children and families.