ACLU leads coalition against controversial reproductive rights bill

In a recent government meeting, several bills were discussed, with many moving to the suspense file for further consideration. Notably, AB 1814 faced opposition from over 70 organizations, including the ACLU and various reproductive justice and civil rights groups, who urged the committee to hold the bill on suspense due to concerns about its implications.

Assembly Bill 2244, which received support from environmental and community organizations, also moved to suspense without objection. Meanwhile, AB 31100, aimed at alleviating burdens related to divorces, passed with a recommendation for a due pass.

The Department of Finance expressed opposition to multiple bills, including AB 459 and AB 2509, citing significant fiscal impacts and potential costs that were not accounted for in the current budget. AB 459, which involves data storage costs for the California Highway Patrol, could incur expenses of over $3 million in the upcoming fiscal years. Similarly, AB 2509 was criticized for its potential to create significant general fund costs related to pest monitoring.

Other bills, such as AB 637 and AB 1818, also faced financial scrutiny, with the Department of Finance highlighting ongoing costs that could strain the state's budget. Despite these concerns, many bills received support from various advocacy groups, indicating a strong interest in advancing legislative efforts in areas such as environmental protection and social justice.

As the committee continues to evaluate these bills, the suspense file will serve as a critical juncture for determining their future, with further discussions expected in upcoming sessions.