News · CA
California sets fines for robotaxis blocking responders
Economy and jobsNew autonomous-vehicle rules allow fines when robotaxis impede emergency responders in California.
The Ballot California News DeskOct 4, 2026
Politics and government news
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100 stories · page 1 of 4
News · CA
California bans electric shock gloves in law enforcement
Public safetyA new California law prohibits law enforcement personnel from using electric shock gloves.
The Ballot California DeskOct 4, 2026
News · CA
California math-testing bill SB 1067 signed into law
Foreign policySB 1067, a California math-testing measure associated with a San Diego state senator, has been signed into law.
The Ballot California Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · CA
California Governor Signs Three AI, Workplace Surveillance Bills
Elections and votingThe three measures establish California laws addressing artificial intelligence and monitoring in the workplace.
The Ballot California News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs Rubio measure targeting court abuse
Foreign policyGov. Gavin Newsom signed state Sen. Susan Rubio’s legislation aimed at stopping abusers from using courts against survivors.
The Ballot California DeskOct 4, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs VPP, balcony solar bills; vetoes another
Energy and environmentCalifornia’s governor approved bills on virtual power plants and balcony solar but rejected separate community solar legislation.
The Ballot California News DeskOct 4, 2026
News · CA
California limits use of AI in employee dismissals
Elections and votingA new California law restricts how artificial intelligence may be used when employers decide to dismiss workers.
The Ballot California DeskOct 3, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California SB 690 on pen-register claims
Elections and votingThe new California law changes the legal landscape for lawsuits involving pen registers, without a directly linked election or candidate race.
The Ballot California Policy DeskOct 3, 2026
News · CA
California and six states sue over federal funding
Elections and votingThe states accuse the Trump administration of withholding money that Congress approved.
The Ballot California DeskOct 3, 2026
News · CA
Padilla challenges tax-credit plan affecting 700,000
Economy and jobsPadilla, Cortez Masto and Wyden say the Trump administration cannot change tax credits enacted by Congress.
The Ballot California Policy DeskOct 3, 2026
News · CA
California legalizes plug-in balcony solar systems
HousingA new state law will let residents install small solar systems without utility approval, subject to safety and certification rules.
The Ballot California News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California Home Energy Choice Act
Energy and environmentAB 2313 creates a voluntary electrification incentive when a home’s gas service line is due for replacement.
The Ballot California DeskOct 2, 2026
News · CA
California governor signs “No Kings Act”
ImmigrationThree people are seeking to sue ICE and DHS after California’s governor signed the measure.
The Ballot California Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California worker protections for AI use
Public safetyThe new laws limit AI-based firing decisions, emotional monitoring and the use of AI in mass layoffs.
The Ballot California News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California laws addressing worker AI risks
Elections and votingThe new state laws are intended to protect California workers from risks connected to artificial intelligence.
The Ballot California Policy DeskOct 1, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs immigration bills challenging Trump tactics
ImmigrationThe California governor signed measures intended to protect immigrant communities and counter immigration tactics associated with Trump.
The Ballot California DeskSep 30, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs housing and homelessness legislation
HousingThe legislation addresses homebuilding and unsheltered homelessness, two stated priorities of California’s state government.
The Ballot California News DeskSep 30, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California ban on officials issuing memecoins
Elections and votingGov. Gavin Newsom signed a state measure prohibiting public officials from issuing memecoins.
The Ballot California News DeskSep 29, 2026
News · CA
California governor signs 10 firearm-related laws
Public safetyThe governor described the 10 new laws as gun-safety measures, while Guns.com characterized them as restrictions on guns.
The Ballot California DeskSep 29, 2026
News · CA
California court orders return of 650,000 seized ballots
Elections and votingThe California Supreme Court directed the Riverside County sheriff to return 650,000 ballots taken into custody.
The Ballot California Policy DeskSep 29, 2026
News · CA
California governor signs bill framed as contrast with Trump
Elections and votingThe governor approved a state measure described as a counterpoint to Trump, turning the proposal into California law.
The Ballot California News DeskSep 29, 2026
News · CA
California governor signs marijuana policy bills
Elections and votingThe new laws address marijuana testing, product tracking and consumers’ access to information.
The Ballot California DeskSep 29, 2026
News · CA
California makes Native American Day a paid holiday
Elections and votingThe governor also proclaimed Native American Day and approved legislation formalizing a state apology.
The Ballot California News DeskSep 28, 2026
News · CA
Five races highlighted in California’s 2026 elections
Elections and votingCalifornia voters will choose statewide officers and representatives to Congress in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.
The Ballot California DeskSep 28, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs faith and nonprofit security bills
Elections and votingThe California measures focus on security and safe access for faith-based and nonprofit communities.
The Ballot California Policy DeskSep 28, 2026
News · CA
Court orders Riverside sheriff to return 650,000 ballots
Elections and votingThe California Supreme Court directed the Riverside County sheriff to return 650,000 ballots that had been seized.
The Ballot California News DeskSep 28, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California gun-safety bill package
Public safetyThe new laws address firearm storage, protective orders, state reporting, youth cases, violence prevention and 3D-printed guns.
The Ballot California DeskSep 28, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs six bills protecting LGBTQ Californians
EducationThe package addresses health-data privacy, veterans’ support, youth services, conversion therapy and access to HIV prevention drugs.
The Ballot California Policy DeskSep 28, 2026
News · CA
Newsom Signs Military Force Authorization Bill
Foreign policySB 1354 sets authorization and accountability requirements for specific military forces coming to California from outside the state.
The Ballot California News DeskSep 28, 2026
News · CA
California court orders return of 650,000 seized ballots
Elections and votingThe California Supreme Court directed the Riverside sheriff to return 650,000 ballots that had been seized.
The Ballot California DeskSep 27, 2026