SACRAMENTO — The COVID-19 pandemic continued to slow the pace of governing California in 2021 as it did the year before, with the second fewest number of bills approved by the Legislature of any year since 1967, trailing only the record low number ratified in 2020.
In all, Gov. Gavin Newsom considered 836 bills covering a range of topics, a mix of proposals prompted by the current COVID crisis as well as items that have been hotly debated for years. Newsom vetoed only 66 of the bills that made it to his desk.
The Times’ list highlights 43 noteworthy new laws for 2022, including several that were approved years earlier but are only taking effect now. Most of those listed take effect on New Year’s Day. As in years past, the list mostly reflects the interests of the Democrats who hold a supermajority of seats in both the state Senate and Assembly.
Some of the most notable new laws make significant changes in criminal justice, law enforcement oversight and healthcare.
COVID-19 and health | Housing | Criminal justice | Policing| Environment | Workplace | Education | Lifestyle
California will crack down on surprise coronavirus testing fees under new law
Senate Bill 510 eliminates any ambiguity about the cost-free provisions, while also making the measure retroactive to March 4, 2020, when Newsom declared a state of emergency for COVID-19.
California will impose new vaping tax to curb teen use, fund public health programs
The aim of the legislation is to discourage vaping by minors and bring taxes on e-cigarettes more in line with levies on other tobacco products, according to state Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), who authored SB 395.
Newsom signs bills restricting sentencing enhancements for many crimes
Gov. Gavin Newsom has acted on bills aimed at reducing prison sentences for people convicted of drug- and gang-related crimes, despite concerns from prosecutors that the measures will hinder efforts to protect Californians.
Gov. Newsom approves sweeping reforms to law enforcement in California
The changes include raising the minimum age for officers to 21 and allowing badges to be taken away for excessive force, dishonesty and racial bias.
Newsom signs bill taking aim at labor practices in Amazon warehouses
AB 701 is the first legislation in the U.S. regulating warehouse performance metrics. The new California law aims to crack down on harsh work standards in Amazon fulfillment centers.
California’s universal voting by mail becomes permanent
The new law is part of an evolution of voting in the state, an effort to provide voters more options for when and where to cast their ballots.
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John Myers leads the Los Angeles Times’ coverage of state government as Sacramento bureau chief and writes a weekly newsletter on California politics along with regular news analysis.
Melody Gutierrez covers state government and politics in Sacramento for the Los Angeles Times.
Taryn Luna covers Gov. Gavin Newsom and California politics in Sacramento for the Los Angeles Times.
Phil Willon covers Gov. Gavin Newsom and California politics for the Los Angeles Times. Willon grew up in Southern California and previously worked for the Tampa Tribune and the Capital in Annapolis, Md.