New penalties can fine California hospitals and insurers up to 125% of their overspending, with enforcement starting as early as 2028. Hospital executives argue that much of their spending, like drug costs and labor, is outside their control.
CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California Legislature kills bill regulating Flock cameras even as public rage grows
The California Legislature has failed several times since 2022 to regulate technology for automatically tracking vehicles — even as examples of abuse mount. This year was no exception.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Defense tech has unleashed a new weapons boom in Southern California
An analysis of defense contracts by CalMatters and The Markup charts the rise of defense spending in Southern California — often in heavily Democratic districts.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Why a bill to juice condo construction died even though California lawmakers voted for it
Supporters said a condo construction bill was a key to unlocking the type of naturally affordable for-sale housing that California desperately needs. But deadlines matter.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Will Newsom let immigrant college students without legal status work at their campuses?
It’s been a four-year battle to allow students without legal status to work at California’s public colleges. The Legislature passed another bill to allow this. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed it the previous time. What will he do now?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
The data center backlash is here — and Big Tech is spending big to combat it
The public has turned against data centers, prompting a flood of legislation in California. Business interests are trying to blunt the backlash.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Parents of transgender kids say California is ‘unprepared’ as feds cut off their healthcare
Parents of transgender kids warned California for months after the Trump administration moved to cut off funding for care. State officials are rushing to find money before the Oct. 13 deadline.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
With clock ticking, California lawmakers reject key parts of Newsom’s wildfire plan
Gov. Gavin Newsom is rushing a plan to provide financial relief to utilities facing massive lawsuit payouts because of California wildfires. Some lawmakers are fighting it.
Posted inLatest News
Federal wildfire crews are stretched thin. California is stepping in to help
As fire season takes hold, California is managing fuels and fire on federal lands. Can the Golden State keep it up?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Lawmakers gut major DUI reform through ‘hostile amendments’
A bill that would have been one of California’s most substantial DUI reform bills in years had widespread support, but Sen. Sabrina Cervantes’ committee suddenly gutted it with little explanation.
