Democratic state lawmakers say the money is needed especially if the next federal government moves to roll back reproductive rights or protections for immigrants.
Los Angeles Democratic Assembly member and chair of the budget committee Jesse Gabriel introduced the bills, which together would set aside about $25 million to create a litigation fund.
鈥淲e have the second largest justice department in the country, after the federal department of justice,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e have an ability here to make a real difference with this litigation in a way that a lot of other states can鈥檛.鈥�
Gabriel said that鈥檚 a modest amount in the context of California鈥檚 budget.
鈥淏ut we think it鈥檚 a really good investment. In part, because part of what we鈥檙e doing here is protecting California tax payers,鈥� he said.
Gabriel said that鈥檚 because the Trump Administration could follow through on a threat to withhold federal aid, for example if there鈥檚 a natural disaster in California.
Republican Assembly leader James Gallagher of Yuba City said he doubts the Trump Administration would withhold those funds.
鈥淭he reality is, all it鈥檚 doing is giving more money to government lawyers at a time when people are struggling with the worst cost of living,鈥� he said.
California filed over 100 lawsuits against the last Trump Administration and won many. It spent about $42 million.
Governor Gavin Newsom鈥檚 office says intends to sign the bills if they pass in time for President-elect Donald Trump鈥檚 Inauguration Day 鈥� January 20th.
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