IN THE NEWS

Hopes are high for Senate Bill 490 by Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana. A revamp of an earlier Umberg proposal, it would require timely complaint investigations by the Department of Health Care Services (some investigations have taken state more than a year to resolve). If DHCS can’t do the work on time, county behavioral health officials could request permission to step in and pick up the slack.

State lawmakers are already taking legislative steps to “Trump-proof” California’s elections, starting with a bill designed to keep President Donald Trump off of California’s ballot in 2028.

State Sen. Tom Umberg says his bill 'places California at the forefront of national efforts to protect voters from a potential constitutional crisis'

Lawmakers introduced these bills to close loopholes that emerged after California’s initial effort to shut down the puppy mill pipeline.

Capitol Briefs: A hint of what’s on tap for 2026

California will usher in new rules in 2026 that will aim to keep up with the changes in our society, including the advancement of artificial intelligence and the increase in electric bike riders, especially minors without a drivers license.

Here's a look at some of the new California laws that will go into effect in the coming year.

Hundreds of new California laws will take effect in 2026. Here are a few worth noting.

The new laws aim to protect animal welfare and ease veterinary care.

A California new law expands CARE Court, a mental health program championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, to include some people diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Here are selections, made with your help, of the 125 people who were vital parts of Orange County’s story for 2025.