On September 3, the conservative political advocacy group “Reform California” listed 12 terrible bills passed by the California legislature on its website – most of which have been signed by the governor, pointing out that they will further increase the cost of living, waste taxpayers’ money, infringe on personal freedom, or undermine public safety.
Californians have been deeply troubled by high taxes, skyrocketing utility bills, high housing costs, and rampant crime. The group’s chairman, State Assembly Member for District 75, Carl DeMaio, said, “Politicians not only fail to solve the problems they create, but they continue to implement failed policies that lead to families and businesses fleeing California,” “I don’t know how much more the struggling people of California can endure.”
One of the bills, AB2624, known as the “Privacy for immigration support services providers”, was initiated by Democratic Assembly Member Mia Bonta and 10 other Democrats and was passed in both the Assembly and the Senate by votes of 30:10 and 59:19, respectively, before being signed into law by Governor Newsom on August 22.
The bill, dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” or “Safe at Work Act,” establishes special privacy protections for healthcare providers, patients, and volunteers who provide services to immigrants. It also silences citizen journalists who expose fraud and misuse of taxpayer funds, making it easier to punish those who disclose personal information or images (including imprisonment and fines).
DeMaio stated, “The state government fails to prosecute fraudsters but instead punishes those who expose them, which is completely upside down.”
The 2026-27 state budget sets a new high in spending under significant tax increases. DeMaio pointed out wasteful expenditures such as $1 billion for the California high-speed rail project, hundreds of millions of dollars to support far-left non-governmental organizations (NGOs), irresponsible salary increases and significant pension adjustments for government employees, $1.2 billion in taxpayer-funded free healthcare for illegal immigrants while levying $426 insurance fees per household, leading to increased insurance costs for citizens.
Exemptions were made for the 2% limit on local sales tax in certain areas as per AB2484 for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and AB1408 for the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority (CCTA), where both local sales taxes hit 2%. The former allows an additional 0.5% Transactions and Use Tax (TUT) and the latter allows an additional 1% transportation sales tax.
DeMaio expressed that politicians not only fail to alleviate California’s heavy tax burden but continue to create new avenues for further taxation, causing local taxes in some areas to exceed 10% or even 11%.
AB2760 on “Law enforcement: wearable electroshock devices” originated from the exposure of federal ICE law enforcement officers’ purchase contracts for “wearable non-lethal force equipment”, including shock gloves.
Just before the end of the legislative session, lawmakers thoroughly rewrote the earlier bill passed by the Assembly to ban law enforcement officers (both federal and state) from wearing such gear in California. The bill was passed in the Senate with a vote of 29:9 (2 abstentions) on August 31, and in the Assembly with a vote of 55:16 (8 abstentions), with the governor signing it into law the same day.
DeMaio commented, “California politicians have once again tied the hands of the police while letting criminals roam free.”
This massive spending bill includes a significant amount of funds that are taxpayer-funded and flow to far-left NGOs, hastily passed with little to no public scrutiny time. It also includes providing millions of dollars in funding to immigrant organizations active in politics.
DeMaio remarked, “California faces billions of dollars in deficit, yet politicians seem to always find funds for their political allies.”
SB922 allows local governments to shift road maintenance and upkeep costs onto utility bills, garbage disposal fees, and other public service charges.
DeMaio emphasized that rather than using tax revenues collected for road repairs, California politicians are adding yet another hidden cost to household bills.
AB884, the “Elections in 2026 through 2029” bill, passed in both houses with votes of 30:10 and 57:18 (4 abstentions) on August 31. This bill prohibits law enforcement departments from conducting most arrest actions within 200 feet of polling stations on election day.
DeMaio believes that California should strengthen election security and public confidence in elections, rather than imposing more restrictions on law enforcement around polling stations.
Despite the state and local government’s pension systems carrying a massive debt of $500 billion, politicians passed this bill aimed at increasing government employees’ pensions and reducing retirement age. Just paying for these generous pensions could lead to bankruptcies in local governments, increased tax rates, and substantial cuts to public services.
The bill expands California’s restrictions on law enforcement officers wearing masks, imposing harsher penalties for concealing identity during the commission of specific crimes like false imprisonment or arrest, with a fine of $10,000 or the higher of actual damage. The governor has yet to sign this bill.
DeMaio said that politicians not only fail to provide necessary support and protection to law enforcement officers but expose them to the risk of doxxing and harassment.
AB1896, the “Public employment: disqualifications” bill, prohibits individuals who have sworn in and participated in immigration enforcement from future employment in California counties, cities, special districts, and other public agencies. The governor has yet to sign this bill.
DeMaio stated, “Only in California would someone be blacklisted from government employment for enforcing federal immigration laws.”
The bill allows California politicians to determine the order and numbering of the first five ballot measures on the November 2026 ballot, allowing their preferred proposals to occupy prominent positions that voters see first. The governor has signed this bill.
DeMaio believes politicians should not manipulate the order of ballot measures to gain political advantage for their proposals.
Allowing individuals without a California driver’s license or state ID to use other identity information (such as social security numbers) for online voter registration. The governor has yet to sign this bill.
DeMaio said, “Californians strongly demand voter identification (Voter ID), but California politicians are going against the tide. The best response is to vote in support of Proposition 39 in November!”