Overview
- E&E News reports that Gov. Gavin Newsom dispatched aides, made calling sprees to members, and threatened a special session to secure his priorities, drawing reluctant but decisive votes from Democrats.
- The late-session energy package was designed to bolster utilities and refineries, with negotiations largely settled days before the Legislature adjourned.
- By the Oct. 12 deadline, Newsom acted on hundreds of measures, reportedly signing 794 bills and vetoing 123.
- Notable signings included AB 1127, restricting sales of new Glock pistols with designs tied to conversion to automatic fire, and SB 79, allowing taller housing near transit in eight counties.
- High-profile vetoes included five reparations-related bills offering priority benefits to descendants of enslaved people and SB 771, a social media civil liability measure seen as raising First Amendment concerns, with observers linking his posture to 2028 positioning.