In a legislative session marked by an avalanche of bills, California Governor Gavin Newsom has been busy sorting through over 800 proposals, ultimately signing some into law and vetoing others. This surge in legislative activity underscores California’s reputation as the most heavily regulated state in the nation. Critics argue that the state’s penchant for extensive regulations creates a complex and challenging environment for both citizens and businesses.
This year saw over 4,400 bills introduced, surpassing the 4,100 proposed in the 2020-2021 term, according to longtime Capitol lobbyist Chris Micheli. Public policy expert Lance Christensen warns that many of these bills are merely “vanity projects” for legislators, contributing to the state’s ever-expanding lawbook. This growing complexity, Christensen argues, results in significant challenges for citizens and businesses, driving up compliance costs.
One of Newsom’s notable vetoes was a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing accountability in state spending on the homelessness crisis. Newsom, however, has signed a package of public safety bills intended to curb organized retail theft. Additionally, he has vetoed several progressive bills, including those that would have provided housing loans to illegal immigrants, allowed non-citizen students to work at UC campuses, and established a reparations package for Black residents.
Despite these vetoes, Newsom has taken steps to address pressing social issues. He has signed a historic bill to restrict cellphone use in schools, aiming to tackle the mental health crisis among young people. He also has signed packages focused on expanding housing development and environmental policies.
Newsom’s veto decisions often hinge on concerns about redundancy or the potential burden on the state’s budget, according to a CalMatters analysis. His veto rate has been consistent over the past couple of years, hovering around 15%, in contrast to a lower rate of 8% in 2021.
The creation of a bill in California is a costly process, with the average cost reaching roughly $30,000, excluding more complex legislation. This highlights the significant economic cost associated with the state’s legislative process, as people are forced to grapple with understanding and complying with its ever-expanding regulations.
While Newsom’s administration emphasizes streamlining government, the sheer volume of legislation and the complexity of California’s regulations raise concerns about the burdens they place on individuals and businesses. This ongoing debate about the balance between addressing societal issues and the costs associated with extensive regulation is likely to continue shaping California’s political landscape.
