With an overwhelming 800 bills to consider by next week, California Governor Gavin Newsom faces a daunting task. Critics decry the state's heavy-handed approach to governance, with a record number of bills eclipsing previous legislative sessions. California's complex and labyrinthine lawbook poses significant challenges for citizens and businesses, driving up compliance costs.
In a legislative session marked by unprecedented activity, California Governor Gavin Newsom confronts a daunting docket of over 800 bills, a testament to the Golden State's propensity for a heavy-handed approach to governance.
California's Legislative Frenzy: Newsom's Docket Soars to 800 Bills
Critics argue that the sheer volume of potential new legislation reflects a disregard for the burden it places on citizens and small businesses. California's status as the most regulated state in the country is further emphasized by the 4,400 bills introduced for 2023-2024, surpassing the 4,100 proposed in the previous term.
California public policy expert Lance Christensen warns that many of these bills serve as "vanity projects" for legislators, further complicating the state's lawbook. The result is a labyrinth of complexity that poses significant challenges for citizens and businesses, driving up compliance costs.
California's Legislative Frenzy: Newsom's Docket Soars to 800 Bills
"Who has the capacity to read literally millions of pages worth of state law, let alone the millions of pages of regulations ... and the answer is zero," Christensen told Fox News Digital. "Nobody ever reads all this stuff. Very few people really understand how complex it is, and because of that, most people are breaking the law every single day, and they have no idea."
Newsom has already signed a package of public safety bills aimed at reducing organized retail theft and vetoed several progressive bills, including those expanding aid to illegal immigrants. He also signed a historic bill restricting cellphones in schools to address the mental health crisis among young people.
California's Legislative Frenzy: Newsom's Docket Soars to 800 Bills
A CalMatters analysis reveals that Newsom often vetoes bills if they appear redundant or would further burden the state's budget shortfall. In 2023, he vetoed 156 bills and signed 890, reflecting a veto rate of about 15%, similar to the previous year. His veto rate in 2021 was under 8%.
Despite the high volume of bills, Newsom has signed dozens of packages meant to fast-track certain initiatives, such as expanding housing development and environmental policies.
California's Legislative Frenzy: Newsom's Docket Soars to 800 Bills
"The governor has repeatedly taken action to streamline government," Brandon Richards, deputy director of Newsom's rapid response team, told Fox News Digital. "He is intentional with every measure he signs into law — focusing on solving problems and supporting Californians — while recognizing that not every problem warrants a new law."
However, critics argue that the sheer number of bills introduced undermines Newsom's claim of streamlining government. They contend that California's heavy-handed approach to governance creates an environment where compliance is a costly burden for citizens and businesses alike.
As Newsom navigates the remaining days of the legislative session, he faces the arduous task of sifting through the 800 bills on his docket. His decisions will shape the future of California's legal landscape and the lives of its residents.
