The story so far
written Oct 26What is happening
California lawmakers and taxpayers face a closed legislative cycle after Governor Gavin Newsom finished acting on all 1,160 measures sent to his desk for the 2025-26 regular session 4, 6. The governor signed 1,040 bills and issued 120 vetoes, resulting in a 10.3% veto rate 6, 8. The state senate has adjourned for its final recess 1.
Tax policy changes enacted this year include AB 2222, which establishes refundable tax credits for local news organizations to support journalist hiring and retention starting in 2027 2. Newsom also signed SB 895 on September 30, which authorizes a $7.5 billion science and health research bond for the March 2028 ballot 3, 4.
What to watch
Formal introduction of a billionaire tax bill in the California State Assembly would mark the start of a new legislative effort. Passage by the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation would move such a measure to the floor. A vote by the full Assembly would be required to send the bill to the California Senate. Approval by the Senate and the governor's signature would be necessary for enactment.
Read the full brief · how we got here
How we got here
The governor concluded the session by signing the final bill on September 30 3. Democrats authored 81% of the signed Assembly measures and 76% of the signed Senate measures during this cycle 6. The 10.3% veto rate recorded for the session is lower than the 15% average seen over the previous decade 6.
Newsom vetoed AB 1383 and AB 1054, citing fiscal discipline as the reason for rejecting the proposed public employee pension modifications 5. Other signed measures this year include seven of nine labor-related artificial intelligence bills, such as SB 947, which restricts the use of AI for certain disciplinary actions 5.
References · 7
- 1senate.ca.gov — Today's Events: 10/14/2026 | California State Senate
- 2gov.ca.gov — Governor Newsom signs bill strengthening local journalism, defending a free press as cornerstone of democracy | Governor of California
- 3gov.ca.gov — At the top of the Golden Gate Bridge, Governor Newsom signs his final bill — investing in California’s next generation of innovation | Governor of California
- 4bhfs.com — The Final Act: California’s End-of-Session and Gubernatorial Actions Wrap-Up | Brownstein
- 5ocregister.com — It’s a wrap: Gov. Newsom’s final bill signings, vetoes
- 6californiaglobe.com — Some Stats on 2026 Gubernatorial Bill Actions – California Globe
- 8kcra.com — Governor Newsom signs final bills: Child marriage, vaping, cocktails-to-go, science bond
What would close this
0 of 4 metTimeline
1newest firstWhen we started following: Governor Newsom concludes final legislative session with 1,040 bill signings and 120 vetoes
Governor Gavin Newsom completed action on all 1,160 measures sent to his desk during the 2025-26 regular legislative session 4, 6. The final tally includes 1,040 signed bills and 120 vetoes, representing a 10.3% veto rate 6, 8. The California State Senate has adjourned for Final Recess 1.
Key Legislative Actions
- Research and Innovation: On September 30, Newsom signed SB 895, the final bill of the session, which places a $7.5 billion science and health research bond before voters in March 2028 3, 4.
- Artificial Intelligence: The Governor signed seven of nine labor-related AI bills, including SB 947, which prohibits employers from using AI for certain disciplinary actions 5. Additional signed measures require healthcare decisions to be made by humans rather than AI and limit employee surveillance 5.
- Journalism: AB 2222 was signed to establish refundable tax credits starting in 2027 for local news organizations to support the hiring and retention of journalists 2.
- Labor and Pensions: Newsom vetoed AB 1383 and AB 1054, citing fiscal discipline; the bills would have modified pension reforms and allowed lump-sum payments for public employees 5.
Session Statistics Of the 1,040 signed bills, 63% were Assembly Bills and 37% were Senate Bills 6. Democrats authored 81% of the signed Assembly measures and 76% of the signed Senate measures 6. The 10.3% veto rate for this session is lower than the 15% average recorded over the last decade 6.