2024 Legislative Report

Lawmakers kicked off the second half of a two-year session in January just like they have done in prior years — by trying to push through hundreds of stalled bills. But with just 28 days to complete the job, most bills never received a committee hearing and failed to advance. Undeterred by the demise of so many measures, lawmakers introduced nearly 2,200 new bills by the end of February.

Cal Cities pursued a proactive legislative agenda, teaming up with legislators to introduce 13 bills focused on wildfire mitigation, sober living facilities, the Brown Act, public safety, and Advanced Clean Fleets. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed four of those sponsored measures, along with many other bills supported by Cal Cities. Of the roughly 1,200 bills that landed on his desk, he vetoed 189 — a slightly higher veto rate than last year.

What made the 2024 legislative session stand out more than most is that many lawmakers and the Governor drastically miscalculated voter sentiment on the need to crack down on retail theft, move individuals out of illegal encampments, and the sluggish economy highlighted by continued inflation, high gas and home prices, and a persistent state budget deficit. Simply put, voters were fed up and demanded action.

Read the full 2024 Legislative Report below.