California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed 78 bills over the weekend, citing budget concerns for almost half of them. One of the bills that got tossed was one that would have allowed colleges to hire illegal immigrant students.
Among the bills vetoed was Assembly Bill 2549, which aimed to require healthcare facilities to allow close family members to visit patients during restricted visitation periods like pandemics. Despite passing the Legislature without opposition, Newsom vetoed it, stating that the state’s locally driven response to the pandemic was preferable.
Republican Leader Assemblyman James Gallagher, who introduced the bill, expressed disappointment in the veto, emphasizing the importance of in-person visitation for hospitalized individuals.
The vetoed bills included a range of topics such as climate, education, health care, housing, and public safety. Newsom highlighted concerns about fiscal impacts, given the state’s efforts to address a $73 billion budget deficit this year.
One of the vetoed bills was Assembly Bill 922, which would have provided prepared meal delivery for the homeless. Another rejected proposal was Assembly Bill 544, which sought to offer grants for voting centers in county jails.
Additionally, Assembly Bill 2586, which would have permitted colleges to hire illegal immigrant students, was also rejected by the governor.
On the other hand, Newsom signed nearly 200 bills, including Senate Bill 1410, which encourages algebra classes in middle school. He also approved Senate Bill 976, known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, which restricts social media companies from providing addictive internet feeds to minors during specific hours.
With over 600 bills awaiting his decision before the Sept. 30 deadline, Newsom’s actions reflect a careful consideration of the state’s budgetary constraints and policy priorities. Please rewrite this sentence.
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