California Lawmakers Kill Over 270 Bills

California legislators made significant progress this week, eliminating about a third of the 830 bills in suspense, including high-profile crime measures aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing fentanyl-related crimes. Notably, Senate GOP leader Brian Jones criticized the Assembly Democrats for killing a bill that would have strengthened oversight of sexually violent predators, suggesting complicity in safeguarding these individuals over public safety. Conversely, several key bills survived, including those focused on reparations, like Senate Bill 1403, which aims to establish the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency. Governor Gavin Newsom also directed the California Energy Commission to require oil companies to maintain minimum fuel inventories in response to soaring gas prices, a move criticized by industry leaders as misguided. The legislative session will conclude by August 31, with many bills poised for final approval. Advocates expressed relief over surviving bills, viewing them as historic steps towards justice and accountability.