California lawmakers

California lawmakers are returning to Sacramento for the final month of their legislative session, which ends on Aug. 31. They aim to negotiate deals on climate policy, urban development, wildfires, and other issues with Governor Gavin Newsom and stakeholders. Legislators and Newsom failed to finalize climate funding by the June state budget deadline.

California lawmakers are finalizing legislative deals on climate funding, wildfires, and the tech-backed California Forever project before adjourning on Aug. 31. Disputes over the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund's allocation and potential cuts to high-speed rail funding remain key issues, alongside negotiations on Proposition 4 and environmental rule exemptions for California Forever.

California lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have written to Quebec Premier Christine Frechette, requesting the reintroduction of U.S. wines and spirits on store shelves amid the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war. However, Frechette has refused to comply with the request.

California lawmakers are ramping up efforts to reopen Canada's market to American wine after a trade dispute triggered a sharp decline in exports and deepened financial pressure on wineries across the state.

California lawmakers are accusing oil companies of using the war with Iran to justify increased gas prices and are pushing legislation to allow state officials to address wartime price gouging under emergency consumer-protection laws.

California drivers cannot access E15 gasoline, a fuel blend legalized by state lawmakers last year that was expected to reduce pump prices by up to 30 cents per gallon. Nearly a year later, no stations in the state are selling the cheaper fuel option.

California lawmakers are advancing a bill supported by prosecutors to restrict eligibility for a prison off-ramp for the mentally ill, citing violent crimes that occurred after criminal defendants were spared convictions due to diagnosed mental illnesses.

Independent journalist Nick Shirley criticized California lawmakers for advancing AB 2624, a bill he claims shields taxpayer-funded NGOs and nonprofits from scrutiny. The legislation, nicknamed the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act,' aims to protect immigration service providers from harassment but Shirley argues it would hinder investigations into potential fraud, citing past cases in Minnesota and California hospice operations.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a $20 million plan to honor the legacy of the state’s living former governors, sparking confusion and anger among lawmakers. Critics argue the plan is an extravagant use of taxpayer money, especially with Newsom’s term nearing its end.

Evangeline Lilly, actress from 'Ant-Man' and 'The Wasp,' criticized Disney for laying off Marvel visual development artists, calling the decision 'disgusting and horrible' and linking it to AI replacing human artists. She expressed solidarity with laid-off employees and urged California lawmakers to act against AI's use of human-created art. Disney confirmed 1,000 layoffs company-wide, citing operational streamlining.

California lawmakers are considering legislation to mandate nonlethal methods for wildlife and human coexistence following public outcry over a mama bear killing. The proposal aims to address conflicts between humans and wildlife through alternative strategies.

Survivors of the deadly Eaton fire are urging state lawmakers to pass a bill requiring audits of wildfire prevention spending by Southern California Edison and the state's two other major for-profit electric companies. The bill aims to ensure transparency and accountability in how these companies allocate funds for wildfire prevention measures.