State Government

California Raises Standard For When Police Can Use Deadly Force

August 19, 2019 | Ben Adler

Nearly a year and a half after Sacramento police shot and killed Stephon Clark, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Monday that changes the legal use of force standard from “reasonable” to “necessary.”

State Government

Proposition 13 Battle Gets New Momentum For November 2020 Ballot

August 15, 2019 | Ben Adler

One of the most expensive political fights in California history could be headed for the November 2020 ballot: a property tax increase that could raise $10 billion a year for schools, community colleges and local governments.

State Government

Annual Softball Game For California Lawmakers Showcases Bipartisanship — As Republicans Struggle to Field Team

August 15, 2019 | Scott Rodd

Instead of Democrats versus Republicans, like in previous years, the two teams were a mix of party affiliations.

State Government

Could California Efforts To Maintain Obama-era Environmental Rules, Enact Rent Caps Succeed This Year? State Senate Leader Is Optimistic.

August 15, 2019 | Ben Adler

California Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins spoke with CapRadio about her proposal to put Obama-era environmental rules into state law, plus the possibility of action at the Capitol on tenant protections and new rules for gig economy workers.

State Government

California Senate Leader: ‘Gig Economy’ Deal Likely Won’t Be Included In ‘Dynamex’ Bill Expected To Pass This Year

August 14, 2019 | Ben Adler

Sen. Toni Atkins says she expects the Legislature’s efforts to “strike a balance” between companies and labor unions on whether gig economy workers should be classified as employees will continue beyond when lawmakers adjourn next month.

State Government

What Does President Trump’s Latest Immigration Crackdown Mean For California?

August 13, 2019

As President Donald Trump published controversial new rules on Monday making it harder for legal immigrants to get green cards if they use Medicaid, food stamps and other social safety net programs, California has reacted with anticipated outrage.

Environment

California Joins Coalition Of States Suing The Trump Administration Over New Coal Rules

August 13, 2019

California and 20 other Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration Tuesday over its decision to ease restrictions on coal-fired power plants, with Gov. Gavin Newsom saying the president is trying to rescue an outdated industry.

State Government

CSU Chancellor Defends Reserves Following Critical State Audit

August 13, 2019

California State University Chancellor Timothy White told a panel of state lawmakers on Monday that the more than $1.5 billion in discretionary reserves identified by Auditor Elaine Howle is "anything but discretionary."

State Government

California Gun-Control Backers Concerned About Changing Federal Courts

August 12, 2019

(AP) — California gun control advocates are worried about the future of the state's gun laws, some of the toughest in the nation, under a federal judiciary that is becoming increasingly conservative.

State Government

5 Things To Watch Down The Homestretch As California Lawmakers Return From Summer Recess

August 12, 2019 | Scott Rodd

Lawmakers return to California’s Capitol Monday for a final five weeks of hashing out legislation with more than 1,000 bills awaiting action. The biggest debates will focus on rent control, consumer privacy and defining who’s an employee.

Capitol Chat: It’s Budget Season In The State Capitol

June 6, 2019

It’s budget crunch time in the State Capitol. That’s because the state budget has to finalized no later than midnight on June 15. We’ll have Capitol Bureau chief Ben Adler to tell us where things stand.

CapChat: Previewing The California Democratic Party Convention

May 30, 2019

The California Assembly has struck a deal on a use of force bill, and Ben Adler is here to discuss. We'll also preview this weekend’s California Democratic Party Convention in San Francisco.

It’s Time For Gov. Gavin Newsom's 'May Revise' Budget Announcement

May 9, 2019

Every year in May, California’s governor releases a revised state budget. Will there be optimism or doom and gloom? The so-called “May Revise” is kind of a big event, and is greatly anticipated by those who follow the state budget process.

Capitol Chat: High Speed Rail Update, May Budget Revise And Campaign Season Begins

May 2, 2019

Capitol Bureau Chief Ben Adler discusses the latest on high speed rail, negotiations on the state budget and the beginning of presidential campaigning in California.