A flurry of legislation has crossed California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk in recent weeks. These are some of his high-profile actions, with links to the full stories:
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SIGNED
Clothes recycling (SB 707): Requires manufacturers of clothing, footwear and textile goods to establish take-back programs for unwanted clothes.
Kids and social media. Two bills (SB 764, AB 1880) expanding protection of young influencers on social media platforms, and one (SB 976) making it illegal for such platforms to knowingly provide addictive feeds to children without parental consent.
Phones in schools (AB 3216). Requires California school districts to limit student smartphone use during the school day.
Reparations. California will formally apologize for slavery and its lingering effects on Black Americans.
Oil drilling (AB 3233). Allows cities, counties, and local voters to block construction of oil and gas wells in their communities.
Gun restrictions. A package of gun laws includes expanding red-flag restrictions to people who have a history of stalking, threats of violence or animal cruelty.
Plastic bags (SB 1053). Bans grocery stores across California from offering customers plastic bags at checkout stands.
VETOED
Artificial intelligence (SB 1047). Would have compelled AI companies to take safety measures to protect the public from cyberattacks and automated crime. Newsom called the bill overly broad and burdensome.
Speeding alerts. Would have mandated that vehicles beep at drivers when they exceed the speed limit by at least 10 mph.
Farmworker heat safety (SB 1299). Would have made it easier for farmworkers to get workers’ compensation when claiming they suffered heat illness on the job.
Reparations. Would have helped Black families reclaim or be compensated for property that was unjustly taken by the government.
Undocumented immigrants (AB 1840). Would have ensured Californians are not excluded from housing assistance programs due to their immigration status.