California oversight agency to review state’s electricity costs as concerns grow
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!
ANOTHER AGENCY TO STUDY CALIFORNIA ENERGY COSTS
Mark your calendars! On Thursday the Little Hoover Commission will hold a hearing on California’s electricity costs, becoming the latest state agency to dive into the issue of utility bills.
The oversight commission plans to assess “how the state can make energy more affordable for its residents without sacrificing its green energy goals, with a particular focus on ratepayer-funded programs.”
Severin Borenstein, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Matthew Freedman, an attorney at The Utility Reform Network, and John Kennedy, a policy advocate with the Rural County Representatives of California, are among the people who will testify, according to the agenda.
The Little Hoover Commission reviews state government operations and policies and makes recommendations to the governor and Legislature. Its members are appointed by governors and state legislators. They are expected to appear remotely for the meeting, which begins at 10 a.m.
There will also be a 30 minute public comment period. More information about the meeting can be found on the agency’s website.
‘ROAD TO REPAIR’
Following a year that left Black activists and legislators frustrated and disappointed at times about the fate of bills in the Legislature and failure of a state proposition, the California Legislative Black Caucus on Thursday announced its priorities for 2025. The package of 15 bills was dubbed “Road to Repair.”
The group said they were a continuation of its effort to address systemic racism, discrimination and inequity in the state that were highlighted in a deep study by a reparations task force.
“As we continue that journey, we are challenging not only members of the legislature, but all of California to operate in a repair mindset,” Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City, said at a press conference.
The package includes a bill that would allow colleges to consider giving admissions preferences to descendants of slavery and another that would require boards that issue professional licenses in the state to prioritize applicants who are descendants of slaves.
Bills that would have created a new state agency to oversee reparations and a fund to help support those policies failed at the end of last year’s legislative session despite strong protests from activists.
The 2025 priority list has a measure that would create a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery and another that aims to help “victims of racially motivated eminent domain in seeking the return of the taken property, other property of equal value, or financial compensation.”
There’s also another attempt to ban involuntary servitude. Voters in November rejected Proposition 6, which would have changed the state’s constitution to say it, along with slavery, is not allowed. That occurred even though the measure did not have any registered opponents.
Currently the state says involuntary servitude is “prohibited except to punish crime.” The new bill would change the constitution to say: “Slavery in all forms is prohibited.” To pass, the latest effort needs support from at least two-thirds of the Assembly and Senate before it will be put in front of voters.
Bills will need to be approved by committees before facing votes in the Assembly and Senate.
The Bee’s Kate Wolffe contributed to this section.
BILL DEADLINE
Today is the last day for bills to be introduced in the Legislature, so keep a close watch on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/ after the deadline. If legislators don’t introduce the policy changes you want to see, don’t fret! There are several months left to gut what’s currently written in the bills and amend them.
Lawmakers in both the Senate and Assembly are able to introduce 35 bills during the 2025-26 session.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Innovation and California are synonymous, and Steve Jobs encapsulates the unique brand of innovation that California runs on: innovation not driven by business alone, but as a vehicle to forever change the world.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement, after nominating Jobs, the late Apple co-founder, to be California’s American Innovation coin representative.
Best of The Bee:
The Sacramento Bee’s Black Change Makers: Meet the Top 20 leaders changing the region’s future, via Staff
California retirees violated post-employment pension laws, federal appeals court finds, via William Melhado.
Senate confirms Kash Patel for FBI director despite protests from Schiff, Padilla, via David LIghtman.
California lawyer files appeal, alleging anti-transgender ballot measure didn’t restrict rights, via Andrew Sheeler.
New rules that could increase California gas prices placed on hold. Here’s why they were paused, via Stephen Hobbs and Nicole Nixon.
Breaking down Sacramento Kings’ playoff chances, roster, schedule after NBA All-Star break, via Jason Anderson.
