Last days of legislature swirl in controversy

Fierce debates surround bills addressing reparations, home loans for undocumented migrants; Blakespear’s plastic bag ban, Boerner’s e-bike bill sits on governor's desk

STATE — It was a wild last 48 hours in the State Capitol as the legislature rushed to push through at least 200 bills and get on the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The final days of the legislative session, though, didn’t come without controversy regarding reparations for Black Californians, zero-interest home loans up to $150,000 for undocumented immigrants and prohibiting local governments from approving voting ID ordinances, to name a few.

Another bill, Senate Bill 1053 from Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), sits on Newsom’s desk and awaits his signature. Her bill would ban plastic bags from being distributed at the point of sale at all grocery stores as part of a push to address plastic pollution and climate change.

Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) saw her bill, AB 2234, also make it to Newsom’s desk. Her bill is specific to San Diego County and allows for municipalities to pass ordinances to restrict the use of class 1 or 2 e-bikes for anyone 12 or younger.

The legislative session ended on Aug. 31 and Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or vetoes bills on his desk.