Story perspectives

California Opens 2026 Session, Sets August Deadline, Funds Wildfire Prep

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Gavin Newsom and California legislators opened the 2026 session with an August 31 deadline to pass all bills and must allocate a June-leftover climate fund.
Newsom’s team is drafting wildfire legislation, though officials have not disclosed details and critics fear victim compensation.
California Forever spent $455,000 lobbying for Solano County shipyard carve-outs, though the bill did not pass as Monique Limón and Robert Rivas negotiate a package that includes COMPETE Act.

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Story summary

Gavin Newsom and California legislators opened the 2026 session with an August 31 deadline to pass all bills and must allocate a June-leftover climate fund.
Newsom’s team is drafting wildfire legislation, though officials have not disclosed details and critics fear victim compensation.
California Forever spent $455,000 lobbying for Solano County shipyard carve-outs, though the bill did not pass as Monique Limón and Robert Rivas negotiate a package that includes COMPETE Act.