Legislators are considering two bills that address online addiction among children by taking aim at website features such as push notifications and targeted posts. But Big Tech is fighting the effort, saying companies are already taking steps to protect children.
StateWatch
Posted inEnvironment
California drought official quits, blasting Newsom for ‘gut wrenching’ inaction
A state water board official has resigned, claiming the Newsom administration has “nearly eviscerated” the board’s ability to confront drought.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Chief justice of California Supreme Court won’t seek second term
California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye will not seek reelection to the bench after her current 12-year term concludes next year, she says. The move gives Gov. Gavin Newsom a chance to make a third appointment to the state’s highest court.
Posted inLatest News
Newsom to sign gun law modeled after Texas abortion ban, setting up Supreme Court fight
The California governor will be signing a gun control bill Friday that mimics Texas’ abortion ban, despite its uncertain legal prospects.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California cuts cannabis taxes to heal ailing industry
Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature cut a California cannabis tax, but not everyone is convinced it’s enough to stabilize the legal market. Social equity operators say the changes don’t do nearly enough to help them.
Posted inEnvironment
Nation’s most sweeping law to phase out single-use plastics approved by California lawmakers
The plastics legislation heads off what would be a costly and contentious ballot measure and pushes California ahead of the world in the fight against plastic waste.
Posted inLatest News
California might rescue its last nuclear power plant — and give PG&E millions to do it
State lawmakers are considering funding that could save California’s Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in their bid to avoid power shortages.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California tax relief: What’s in the deal
After weeks of talks, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have agreed on a tax relief plan that includes refunds of as much as $1,050. It is part of a $300 billion budget deal announced Sunday night.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
As blue and red states fight over abortion, guns and COVID, Newsom seizes an opportunity
California’s governor clearly embraces his rise as a dominant, resonating voice for Democratic states nationwide.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California legislators want to help you buy a house with down payment, ‘shared equity’
Legislators propose a $1-billion-a-year down payment program for first-time buyers, given the high cost of housing and rising mortgage interest rates, in exchange for a partial stake.