Governor Gavin Newsom is in the final stretch of his decision-making process as the deadline to sign or veto a range of new bills approaches. As of September 30, Newsom will have reviewed and either approved or rejected hundreds of legislative proposals aimed at tackling pressing issues in California, from housing affordability and environmental protection to the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and public safety. This article highlights key bills the governor has signed into law and a few notable vetoes that have sparked discussion.
Key Laws Signed by Governor Newsom
Plastic Bag Ban: Strengthening California’s Environmental Protection
California has long been a leader in environmental legislation, and Governor Newsom further cemented that legacy by signing a new law banning all plastic shopping bags. Previously, the state had prohibited thin plastic bags from being offered at stores, while allowing thicker reusable plastic bags to be sold. However, the latest legislation, set to take effect in 2026, eliminates the use of all plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores and other retail outlets. This comprehensive ban is a bold move designed to reduce plastic waste and curb environmental damage.
Supporters of the new measure argue that the complete elimination of plastic bags will push Californians toward sustainable alternatives like reusable cloth bags, reducing the state’s environmental footprint. Opponents, however, worry about the potential economic impact on small businesses and the extra costs imposed on consumers who may need to purchase alternatives.
Housing Proposals: Tackling California’s Housing Crisis
As housing affordability remains one of California’s most pressing issues, Newsom signed several bills aimed at addressing housing shortages and homelessness. The new laws will streamline housing construction processes and penalize local governments that fail to comply with state housing mandates. Among the new measures is a provision allowing the state’s attorney general to impose fines of up to $50,000 per month on cities and counties that fail to submit a housing plan that meets state requirements.
This package of laws not only aims to expedite the building of affordable housing but also expands renter protections, ensuring that cities cannot dodge their responsibility to provide low-income housing. Additionally, certain bills in the package provide clarity around security deposits and rental histories, further supporting tenants’ rights.
Enhanced Renter Protections: Credit Scores and Fees
In an effort to improve transparency and fairness in rental agreements, Governor Newsom signed several bills that benefit renters across the state. Assembly Bill 2747 allows renters with a strong payment history to have their rental record reflected in their credit scores, which can help them when applying for loans or other forms of credit. Additionally, Senate Bill 611 prevents landlords from charging tenants fees for paying their rent by check, which has been a common practice that many see as exploitative.
Another important bill, SB 900, gives property management companies the authority to intervene in cases where utilities like gas or electricity are not being adequately maintained by a homeowners association (HOA). These laws are intended to provide a safety net for renters and homeowners alike, ensuring greater accountability from both landlords and HOAs.
Election Deepfakes: Curbing the Impact of AI in Politics
One of the most timely issues in the 2024 election cycle is the rise of artificial intelligence and its potential for misuse, particularly in political campaigns. To address this, Governor Newsom signed a groundbreaking bill that cracks down on deepfakes—the use of AI to create misleading or false images and videos in political ads.
The law specifically targets AI-generated content during the 120 days leading up to an election and extends protections 60 days after the election ends. The bill allows courts to intervene and stop the spread of deepfakes, imposing civil penalties on those who create or distribute the misleading content. Social media platforms will also be required to remove any deceptive material, marking this as a first-in-the-nation law to regulate AI’s role in elections.
Hollywood Protections: Preventing Unauthorized Use of AI on Performers
In addition to protecting elections, Newsom signed legislation to safeguard Hollywood actors and performers from unauthorized use of AI. With the rapid rise of AI technology, there has been growing concern about studios potentially using AI to clone actors’ likenesses and voices without their consent. The new law allows actors to back out of contracts that contain ambiguous language regarding AI usage. Set to go into effect in 2025, the law is seen as a vital step in protecting performers’ rights and preventing studios from exploiting digital likenesses.
Public Safety: Smash-and-Grab Crackdown
In response to a spike in smash-and-grab robberies across California, Governor Newsom reinstated tough penalties for organized retail theft and large-scale property damage. The law, which had previously expired in 2018, imposes harsh sentences on individuals found guilty of damaging or destroying property valued at over $50,000 during the commission of a felony.
The resurgence of smash-and-grab crimes, especially in major cities, has stirred public frustration and concern over safety. This new legislation is designed to address these crimes, providing law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to hold perpetrators accountable. The law will remain in effect until 2030, at which point lawmakers will reassess its efficacy.
Notable Vetoes by Governor Newsom
While many bills made it past Newsom’s desk, a few were notably vetoed, stirring debate across the state.
Vetoed: Undocumented Students’ Right to Work on Campus
Governor Newsom vetoed AB 2586, a bill that would have allowed undocumented students to work on California public university campuses. The bill aimed to provide opportunities for undocumented students, many of whom are barred from employment under federal law.
In his veto statement, Newsom cited concerns about potential legal challenges, particularly the possibility of criminal and civil liability for the state if the law were implemented. He emphasized that the legal system needs to address the complexities surrounding this issue before the state can move forward with such legislation.
Vetoed: Home Loan Eligibility for Undocumented Immigrants
Another notable veto came with AB 1840, which would have made undocumented immigrants eligible for state housing loans aimed at first-time homebuyers. The bill’s supporters argued that undocumented workers contribute significantly to California’s economy and should be afforded the opportunity to own homes.
However, Newsom rejected the bill, pointing to limited funding available for the state’s housing programs. The governor stressed that with such tight resources, the state should prioritize citizens and legal residents in distributing housing assistance.
Opponents of the bill applauded the veto, arguing that the state’s housing crisis should be addressed for residents living in the country legally. Proponents, on the other hand, felt that the bill could have provided a crucial lifeline for hard-working immigrant families, many of whom struggle to find affordable housing.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act of Progress and Restraint
Governor Newsom’s recent signings and vetoes reflect California’s ongoing efforts to balance progressive reforms with practical governance. While environmental protection, housing, and the regulation of AI have seen forward movement, controversial issues such as undocumented workers’ rights remain unresolved.
With just days left until the September 30 deadline, it’s clear that California will continue to navigate complex social, economic, and legal challenges. Newsom’s decisions, whether in favor of environmental sustainability, renter protections, or enhanced public safety measures, underscore the state’s role as a national leader in progressive policy-making. However, the governor’s vetoes remind Californians that legal and fiscal realities often temper idealistic ambitions.
