Regulations

New bill rekindles old human egg payment fight

California women interested in profiting from their eggs — often handsomely — have long availed themselves of private opportunities to do just that. Now, they could have another chance to do so on the medical research market. “Sponsored by the American

Gov. Brown signs suite of gun-control bills

James Poulos July 7, 2016

New legislation on guns was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown and advanced on Capitol Hill, as California elected officials continued a concerted push for tighter regulations at both the state and federal level. To the satisfaction of state Democrats,

Is Democratic CA senate leader’s ammo-sales bill legal?

Matt Fleming July 5, 2016

Legislative Democrats pushed through a gun-control measure last week that is almost certain to be challenged in court — where it’ll have a tough time surviving — all for the sake of what some claim is a political grudge. The Legislature

Advancing bill would upend CA religious schools

James Poulos June 28, 2016

California legislators could soon wipe out the social and cultural exemptions afforded to state religious schools that they depend upon for their identity. Senate Bill 1146, now moving through committee in the Assembly, “aims to include all colleges and universities

Debate over gun-control laws grips CA

James Poulos June 20, 2016

A wave of violence, legislation and litigation fueled the latest acrimonious phase of the debate about guns in California. While the issue had risen near the top of the political agenda following shootings that intensified the immigration debate, an apparently close call with

CA opens Affordable Care Act door to unlawful immigrants

James Poulos June 10, 2016

State Democrats forged ahead with legislation designed to fill out Covered California’s enrollment ranks with unlawful and undocumented immigrants. Following the state Senate, the Assembly has “passed a measure that would remove a critical barrier to Covered California and allow

Gov. Brown OKs higher smoking age

James Poulos May 13, 2016

Upsetting years of tradition and new trends alike, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law sweeping new measures that put consumers and producers of nicotine-based products on the defensive. One bill will “raise the legal age to buy products from 18

Organized labor circles Uber and Lyft in CA

James Poulos May 3, 2016

Labor groups have sought out relationships with Uber drivers, whom the company recently settled with, but has yet to classify as employees. “A day after Uber announced a $100 million settlement with some drivers in California and Massachusetts, the Teamsters announced plans

Minimum-wage law’s opt-out provision unlikely to be used by governor

Chris Reed April 8, 2016

A California governor is asked to sign historic, far-reaching legislation that could have unknown consequences — and tells the Legislature he will only go along if there is an escape clause that can be used if the law causes economic

Transparency activists seek CA sunshine

James Poulos March 31, 2016

National Sunshine Week — an effort to increase and encourage government transparency — has come and gone in California while multiple types of state secrecy continue to draw fire from lawmakers and citizens. Budgeting has topped the list of recent complaints. “The