As California voters consider whether to increase the state’s minimum wage, they should keep in mind that the proposed hike is very modest and would benefit the neediest workers among us. Proposition 32 would raise minimum pay by 2026 to $18 an hour, about $1 more than it would be otherwise. That’s still not … Read more
A bill to make Google and Facebook owner Meta pay publishers for news they present on their platforms survived its passage through a state legislative chamber where potential laws often go to die. Assembly Bill 886 would compel the technology giants to pay negotiated annual, lump-sum fees into a fund for news outlets, or enter … Read more
A bill to make Google and Facebook pay publishers for news presented on their platforms faces a do-or-die test Thursday in a state government chamber notorious as a killing ground for prospective laws. Assembly Bill 886 would force the technology giants to shell out negotiated annual, lump-sum fees into a fund for news outlets, or … Read more
A package of bills Governor Newsom urged in this year to crack down on retail thefts is headed to his desk after passing through the state legislature Monday. The ten bills, first introduced in January and February, advanced despite opposition from some of Newsom’s fellow Democrats in the Bay Area including Assembly members Mia Bonta … Read more
In a letter to California schools, Gov. Gavin Newsom urged educators to immediately restrict cell phone use on campus as students return to the classroom. “Excessive smartphone use among youth is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues,” Newsom said in the letter. He cited a Pew Research survey that found that … Read more
Google was once the company with the motto “Don’t be evil.” Well, those days are gone. Last week, a federal judge ruled that the Silicon Valley company is a monopolist that uses its market advantage to stifle search-engine competition. In another case, the federal government and eight states, including California, allege Google has … Read more
Though lawmakers and advocates proposed dozens of bills to regulate artificial intelligence in California this year, none have attracted more disdain from big tech companies, startup founders, and investors than the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act. In letters to lawmakers, Meta said the legislation, Senate Bill 1047, will “deter AI … Read more
California lawmakers are considering a bill that would limit homebuyer-agent contracts required under the national Realtor settlement to three months. If the bill passes, California would become one of at least 20 states with mandatory buyer-broker contract laws. “Without legal protection, buyers and brokers are susceptible to potential disputes over compensation, legal uncertainties and conflicts … Read more
For the last two decades, California’s governors and legislators — and lobbyists for countless groups with stakes in the state budget — have engaged in a running debate over ever-increasing volatility in tax revenues. As the revenue stream grew, personal income taxes became the dominant source. The state’s highest-income taxpayers generated half those taxes largely … Read more
A year after a scathing report revealed widespread mishandling of sexual misconduct claims at San Jose State and across the California State University system, two new laws will require stronger sexual harassment policies at its 23 campuses. The new laws Gov. Gavin Newsom signed July 15 require Cal State University officials to expand current sexual … Read more