Bipartisan Victories and Divisive Debates Mark California Legislative Session

Rare unanimous Republican legislative victory in California led by Sen. Shannon Grove to toughen child sex trafficking laws. Faced resistance from Democrats over three strikes impacts.

Public outrage and intervention by Gov. Newsom and Assembly Speaker Rivas saved the bill, which ultimately passed unanimously.

Assembly Republicans criticized Democrats for being soft on crime and pushing "empty the prisons" agenda during debate.

Newsom achieved major win with bipartisan passage of mental health overhaul to address homelessness by improving treatment and housing. Includes tax redirection and bond measure pending voter approval.

Labor scored victories on paid sick leave, minimum wage increases, legislative staff unionization. Most controversial was allowing striking workers to collect unemployment insurance, which Newsom has concerns about.