California Senate advances package of public-safety, consumer and school nutrition measures; key floor votes recorded

The California State Senate completed an extended floor session on Sept. 11, 2025, advancing a number of high-profile bills on public safety, consumer protection and school food standards and recording final votes on several measures that drew substantial public debate.

A central focus of the day was Senate Bill 627, the so-called "No Secret Police" measure, which drew prolonged debate before the Senate voted to pass it. The bill prohibits the use of extreme face coverings (described in debate as “ski‑mask” style concealment) by officers conducting most public enforcement activities in California and requires agencies to issue written policies about facial coverings. Supporters said the bill is intended to protect communities and restore clarity about who is acting in a law‑enforcement capacity; opponents warned it could make officers and their families more vulnerable in some operational settings. "Secret police have no place in a democracy. Full stop," Senator Scott Wiener said on the floor during closing remarks. After debate, the Senate recorded a final affirmative vote and SB 627 passed the Senate.

A second major item was Assembly Bill 12 64, the Real Food Healthy Kids Act, which would direct state experts to identify and phase out certain high‑risk ultra‑processed…