A controversial bill designed to allow California judges to consider race when sentencing offenders is winding its way through the legislative process, having passed the Assembly with no Republican support and some Democrats abstaining from the vote. Assembly Bill 852, a succinct proposal comprised of two sentences and authored by Assemblyman Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles),…

After two years of internal discussions, public hearings, and collaboration with stakeholders, California’s reparations task force presented its final report of recommendations to the Legislature June 29. The 1,100-page, 4-inch document discusses policy recommendations for the Legislature to consider, and while no specific dollar amounts are proposed, formulas for calculating harms and repairs are included…

SACRAMENTO—Six pieces of fentanyl legislation were reconsidered by the Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 27, as the issue of punishment versus prevention took center stage, with the eight-member panel deferring many for later discussion. “It’s a lot of excuse-making, instead of addressing the real problem,” Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), a committee member, told The…

SACRAMENTO—Six pieces of fentanyl legislation were reconsidered by the Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 27, as the issue of punishment versus prevention took center stage, with the eight-member panel deferring many for later discussion. “It’s a lot of excuse-making, instead of addressing the real problem,” Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), a committee member, told The…

California families affected by fentanyl overdose deaths joined lawmakers in front of the state Capitol in Sacramento on April 18 to protest the Assembly Public Safety Committee’s recent decision to not hear bipartisan fentanyl bills proposed by legislators. Attendees were invited to place flowers in baskets commemorating fentanyl victims, and the group said it intends…