California state lawmakers completed their two-year legislative session Wednesday night, capping months of debate over bills to address housing, labor, reproductive rights, climate, energy and more.
Those measures are now in the hands of Governor Gavin Newsom to sign or veto.
While the final night of the session lacked the drama of previous years, lawmakers considered a number of bills after their usual midnight deadline — the state constitution allows for later votes on certain bills, including those that require a two-thirds vote to pass.
Lawmakers gaveled down at 1:31 a.m.
The Legislature will look markedly different next year. Roughly two dozen lawmakers are term-limited, retiring or seeking other offices this year. Several have already resigned.
Here’s a look at some of the consequential measures passed in the final days of the session:
The Legislature overwhelmingly approved Newsom’s proposal to create a new civil court system to evaluate and require treatment for thousands of Californians suffering from addiction and severe mental illness.
Known as Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court — or CARE Court — the program would allow first responders and family members to petition a county judge to order treatment for people suffering from addiction or severe mental illness.
The state Senate approved it 40-0 in its final vote on Wednesday. But civil and disability rights groups, along with some advocates for unhoused residents, have argued CARE...
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