California Legislature Faces Tough Choices Amid Budget Deficit

Hundreds of bills impacted as lawmakers navigate multibillion-dollar shortfall.

The Assembly and Senate appropriations committees held or amended numerous bills during the suspense file hearings.
Key proposals affected include bills on psychedelic therapy, reparations, and utility charges.
The budget deficit has led to heightened scrutiny on new spending, with many costly bills being shelved.
Legislative leaders emphasize the need to balance the budget and live within financial means.
Some bills, like those on behavioral treatment reporting and daylight saving time, advanced despite the budget constraints.