Bipartisan Victories and Divisive Debates Mark California Legislative Session
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Rare unanimous Republican legislative victory in California led by Sen. Shannon Grove to toughen child sex trafficking laws. Faced resistance from Democrats over three strikes impacts.
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Public outrage and intervention by Gov. Newsom and Assembly Speaker Rivas saved the bill, which ultimately passed unanimously.
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Assembly Republicans criticized Democrats for being soft on crime and pushing "empty the prisons" agenda during debate.
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Newsom achieved major win with bipartisan passage of mental health overhaul to address homelessness by improving treatment and housing. Includes tax redirection and bond measure pending voter approval.
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Labor scored victories on paid sick leave, minimum wage increases, legislative staff unionization. Most controversial was allowing striking workers to collect unemployment insurance, which Newsom has concerns about.