State GovernmentCalifornia will try to limit solitary confinement — againFebruary 7, 2023 | Kate WolffeAn effort to limit solitary confinement in California jails, prisons and detention facilities is being undertaken for a second time in the state Legislature. Lawmakers passed a similar bill last year which was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentRules for thee: How California Legislature skirts its own lawsFebruary 7, 2023State legislators sometimes exempt themselves from the laws they pass, but this session, they could change course on an emblematic bill: To allow their own staffers to form a union.
EnvironmentLaw banning drilling near California community areas put on hold, sent to votersFebruary 6, 2023 | Manola SecairaShortly after the law was passed, oil and gas industry leaders launched a referendum effort aimed at repealing it. It will appear on the November 2024 ballot. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentHow a new law is bringing more attention to natural carbon sequestrationFebruary 6, 2023 | Manola SecairaEnvironmental advocates have criticized California’s reliance on carbon-capturing technologies in its plans for carbon neutrality. This law aims to bring more focus to natural alternatives. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareMillions of Californians are at risk of losing Medi-Cal coverageFebruary 5, 2023As the nation’s massive Medicaid unwinding begins, California is using government databases, billboards, and navigators to help people who get dropped from Medi-Cal reenroll or find other coverage.
Health CareWill the state’s big Medi-Cal plan really fix mental health care for low-income Californians?February 3, 2023A year into the rollout of CalAIM, payment details are murky and obstacles remain in finding help for Medi-Cal recipients with mental health needs.
State GovernmentBacked by Newsom, California Democrats revive changes to state concealed carry lawFebruary 1, 2023 | Nicole NixonA measure to bring California’s concealed carry laws in line with a U.S. Supreme Court Ruling — while banning guns in a swath of public places including parks and businesses — has support from the governor and attorney general.