Legislators Head Home, Newsom Grabs the Pen
With the California Legislature now adjourned until 2026, the spotlight shifts to Governor Gavin Newsom, who holds the final say on hundreds of bills that made it through both chambers. The Governor has until October 13 to either sign, veto, or allow bills to become law without his signature.
Last year, Newsom vetoed nearly 18% of the bills passed in the final days of session – about 16% of the total 1,200 bills approved by the Legislature in 2024. That marked a noticeable uptick from his historical average. Each veto comes with a formal message from the Governor explaining his reasoning, and this year, a recurring theme has emerged: fiscal discipline.
In several veto statements, Newsom has emphasized the state’s budgetary constraints, writing:
“In partnership with the Legislature this year, my Administration has enacted a balanced budget that recognizes the challenging fiscal landscape our state faces while maintaining our commitment to working families and our most vulnerable communities. With significant fiscal pressures and the federal government’s hostile economic policies, it is vital that we remain disciplined when considering bills with significant fiscal implications that are not included in the budget, such as this measure.”
This legislative session saw nearly 2,400 bills introduced between the Assembly and Senate. Roughly one-third of those have cleared both houses and now await the Governor’s decision.
As of October 7, Newsom has:
- Signed 761 bills into law
- Vetoed 55 bills
With just days remaining before the deadline, the final stretch could bring surprises. Among the bills still pending:
- SB 79, which would allow for increased housing density near transit-oriented zones with additional labor provisions
- SB 686, a bill sponsored by the California Consortium for Affordable Housing (CCAH)
Stay tuned as the Governor’s pen continues to shape California’s policy landscape in the final week of bill signings.