California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced a slew of bills over the weekend, opposing some of Democrats' more progressive initiatives on transgender care standards, gas stove regulations, additional benefits for noncitizens, and more.
Ahead of Monday's legislative deadline, Newsom, who has had to review more than 1,000 bills in the past few months, vetoed AB 2442, AB 2513 and SB 227.
AB 2442, which would have facilitated medical licensing for out-of-state applicants seeking transgender surgery, was vetoed by Newsom on Friday.
Newsom's deepfake election law is already being challenged in federal court
Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the press about the new state budget. (California Governor's Office)
In his veto letter, Newsom wrote that “as the number of applicants eligible for expedited approval under the law increases, the benefits of mandated priority could begin to diminish, and at the cost of “This may have a negative impact on other applicants.” “Furthermore, the increased staff required to ensure expedited application may lead to increased license fees.”
AB 2513 – a bill that would require gas stoves to be sold with labels warning of potential toxins released – was also hotly debated in Congress but ultimately rejected by Newsom, suggesting a failed “static approach.” ” enables label content to be updated in a timely manner according to the latest scientific knowledge.
“While we appreciate the author's intent to provide consumers with information about the products they purchase, this bill contains very prescriptive labeling that can only be changed through future legislative changes,” Newsom wrote in his veto letter. “I am concerned that it is codifying the law.”
More than 800 bills left on Newsom's desk speak to California's overregulation problem: expert
Newsom vetoed the homeless accountability bill. (Anadolu/Contributor)
Among the progressive bills that were defeated was SB 227, which would have required the Department of Employment Development (EDD) to create an Exempted Worker Program that would provide unemployment-type benefits to noncitizens.
Newsom said while “California is taking important steps to advance inclusion and equity for undocumented workers and mixed-status families, who make significant contributions to California's economy and communities.” He said Congress must uphold its obligation to create solutions that provide a legitimate path to citizenship. This award is given to long-term residents who have made significant contributions.
Newsom vetoes bill that would allow non-citizen students to work at state public universities
March 13, 2024 at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for the National Urban League)
“We can have a fair immigration system that works for families, American workers, and employers, and we can have a secure border,” Newsom said. “However, this bill sets an unrealistic timeline, has operational issues, and requires funding not included in the budget.”
Also on Sunday, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have created safeguards for large artificial intelligence models, the first of its kind in the nation.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Some of the bills with high bipartisan attention are also at risk of being defeated. Last week, Newsom vetoed a bipartisan accountability bill that would require more accountability and data reporting on the state's spiraling homelessness crisis.
Mr. Newsom has already signed a series of public safety bills aimed at reducing organized retail theft. He has also vetoed a number of progressive bills, including: Expanding aid to illegal immigrants through mortgage loans, employment permits through the University of California (UC) system, and reparations packages for black residents.
promise to work on mental health crisis Among young people, Governor Blue also signed historic legislation restricting cell phone use in schools.
According to a CalMatters analysis, Mr. Newsom often vetoes bills if they appear redundant or if the costs would further strain the state's budget shortfall. Last year, Mr. Newsom vetoed 156 bills and signed 890, reflecting a veto rate of about 15%, similar to the previous year. The veto rate in 2021 was less than 8%.
