Category: California legislature

Southern California School Board Approves Previously Rejected Social Studies Curriculum

The Temecula school board approved the social studies curriculum it previously rejected twice over concerns about “inappropriate” material—but with the recommendation that schools substitute certain material with that which is “age-appropriate.” The board voted to approve the “Social Studies Alive,” a state-approved K-5 social studies curriculum during a special meeting called July 21 by board president Joseph…


California Group Gathers Signatures for Ballot Measure to Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms

A California organization is hoping to gather enough signatures to place an initiative on the November 2024 ballot to let voters decide if magic mushrooms should be decriminalized. If successful and voters approve it, psychedelic mushrooms could be sold anywhere, including such places as the local supermarket or yoga studios, to anyone over 21. It…


California Bill Aims to Protect Children From Cannabis Candy Poisoning

With hospitals around the state reporting a rise in emergency room visits of children exposed to cannabis products, lawmakers are considering a proposal to target packaging that is attractive to minors by imposing stricter regulations on labeling and marketing practices. Assembly Bill 1207, authored by Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), would ban cannabis products that…


California Lawmakers Consider Race-Based Sentencing Bill as Part of Reparation Efforts

A controversial bill designed to allow California judges to consider race when sentencing offenders is winding its way through the legislative process, having passed the Assembly with no Republican support and some Democrats abstaining from the vote. Assembly Bill 852, a succinct proposal comprised of two sentences and authored by Assemblyman Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles),…


Failure of Child Sex Trafficking Bill in California Assembly Committee Sparks Outrage

A bill to strengthen penalties for repeat offenders convicted of sexually trafficking children failed to pass the Assembly Public Safety Committee July 11, with only the two Republican members voting in favor of the measure. Authored by Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), Senate Bill 14 passed the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and would have added…


California Lawmakers Pass Motion Picture Tax Credit Extension, Gun Safety Protocols

California lawmakers have approved legislation that extends boosting film and television production in the state and added a requirement that qualifying production companies have new gun safety and diversity programs. Assembly Bill (AB) 132, authored by Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) passed the Legislature June 27 and is now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk awaiting signature….


California Creates Task Force to Ensure ‘Inclusive’ Curriculum in Local School Districts

California education leaders have created a new task force dedicated to ensuring school textbooks are “inclusive” of minority groups amid controversy over several local governing boards rejecting books they say are inappropriate for minors. The new Task Force on Inclusive Education—consisting of State Superintendent Tony Thurmond along with several state legislators—convened June 21 for the…


California Death Row Murderers Closer to Parole Eligibility After New Bill Advances

Facing staunch opposition from family members of victims, law enforcement groups, and Republican lawmakers, a bill that would allow for resentencing of inmates convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee June 27 on a partisan vote. Introduced with the intention of allowing a path for release for elderly…


California Lawmakers at Odds Over Public Safety Bills

With approximately two weeks remaining before the July 14 legislative deadline for policy committees to approve and refer bills for further consideration, the Assembly and Senate Public Safety committees met June 27, passing many proposals on partisan votes. One such proposal was Senate Bill 94, authored by Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), which would allow…


California’s Reparations Task Force Demands Action, Presents 1,100-Page Final Report to Governor, Legislature

After two years of internal discussions, public hearings, and collaboration with stakeholders, California’s reparations task force presented its final report of recommendations to the Legislature June 29. The 1,100-page, 4-inch document discusses policy recommendations for the Legislature to consider, and while no specific dollar amounts are proposed, formulas for calculating harms and repairs are included…