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Newsom Bans Utility Lobbying with New Law Amid Controversy

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law restricting utilities' political spending after a Sacramento Bee investigation into ratepayer fund misuse.
The law takes effect January 1 and prohibits utilities from using ratepayer funds for lobbying.
Newsom vetoed another bill that would restrict utilities from opposing local government takeovers.
He vetoed a hormone therapy coverage measure, drawing LGBTQ+ advocates' concerns about his political positioning ahead of a potential presidential run.

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Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law restricting utilities' political spending after a Sacramento Bee investigation into ratepayer fund misuse.
The law takes effect January 1 and prohibits utilities from using ratepayer funds for lobbying.
Newsom vetoed another bill that would restrict utilities from opposing local government takeovers.
He vetoed a hormone therapy coverage measure, drawing LGBTQ+ advocates' concerns about his political positioning ahead of a potential presidential run.