The 2023 Legislature returned to close to normal after three years under the ups and downs of the pandemic, and after a 2022 election that brought turnover and the .
But it faced a different challenge: After two years of record budget surpluses, it had to navigate a , with more choppy financial waters ahead.
Another big change: In June, Assemblymember Robert Rivas, a Democrat from Salinas, from Lakewood Democrat Anthony Rendon in a peaceful transfer of power following an attempted mutiny by some members last year.
The leadership shift didn鈥檛 significantly impact the Legislative agenda. More so, lawmakers responded to rising public concern about crime, continued worry about homelessness and housing and the .
On crime, legislators passed a package of bills addressing the fentanyl crisis, which has in California this year, though not the tougher sentences sought by Republicans.
But after an initial partisan standoff, the Legislature came together 鈥� with some pressure from the governor and new Speaker Rivas鈥� to by Bakersfield Republican Sen. Shannon Grove that imposes harsher , which some members opposed due to concerns that victims might be punished.
On housing, legislators approved and . They signed off on Gov. Gavin Newsom鈥檚 plan to , and acceded to his wishes for a to have the March 5 ballot all to itself.
On labor, the Legislature passed some key bills signed into law, including one to from three to five a year and another, after many years of failed attempts, to . The Democratic majority also gave its blessing to a deal to increase the minimum wage for workers and another pact that .
But other labor bills didn鈥檛 get the stamp of approval from the governor, including one that would have allowed striking workers .
In all, the Legislature passed 1,046 bills this year 鈥� down 120 from last session. Gov. Newsom .
Major issues for 2024: After failing to 鈥� companies pulling policies due to wildfire and other costs affected by climate change 鈥� the Legislature will pick that back up next session. at the top of the priority list: Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has formed a select committee on retail theft, and Sen. Scott Wiener announced a bill to crack down on car thefts. Other big, continuing issues: the fentanyl crisis, housing and homelessness.
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