News
Gov. Newsom Signs Landmark California Pet Policy Transparency Act Into Law
California renters will soon get critical pet policy information before they apply to rent a home. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 1296, the Pet Policy Transparency Act, into law today, establishing a landmark statewide transparency standard for pet policies in rental housing.
After Two-Year Fight, Gov. Newsom Signs Landmark Bill for Incarcerated Firefighter Career Pathways
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2483 into law today, delivering a landmark victory for incarcerated firefighters and public safety by creating a clear pathway for people who protect California communities on the fireline while incarcerated to continue that service as a career after release.
New California Research Shows Pet Policy Information Gaps Cost Renters and Housing Providers Time and Money
As landmark pet policy transparency legislation awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, new research from the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative finds that California’s rental market routinely leaves renters without critical information about pet policies until after they have invested time and money pursuing a property.
California Legislature Passes Historic Pet Policy Transparency Act, Sending SB 1296 to Governor Newsom
Historic legislation to bring greater transparency to California’s rental housing market has cleared the state Legislature and is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature.
Pet Policy Transparency Act Passes California State Assembly
Michelson Center for Public Policy applauds the California State Assembly’s passage of SB 1296, the Pet Policy Transparency Act, marking a major step toward establishing a more transparent and efficient rental application process for California renters and housing providers alike.
California Legislature Sends Incarcerated Firefighter Career Pathway Bill to Governor Newsom
California lawmakers gave final approval to legislation that would help incarcerated firefighters turn their frontline experience into careers after release, sending Assembly Bill 2483 to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature.
Incarcerated Firefighter Career Pathway Bill Clears Critical Senate Appropriations Hurdle
A California bill designed to turn the training and frontline experience of incarcerated firefighters into pathways to firefighting careers cleared a major hurdle today, advancing out of the Senate Appropriations Committee with unanimous support
Legislative Update – Final Stretch
With the California Legislature entering the final stretch of the 2026 legislative session, the Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP) has secured a significant policy milestone: a $5 million state budget investment to expand justice-involved workforce development in Los Angeles County. Meanwhile, sponsored legislation advancing workforce pathways, housing transparency, and economic mobility—and support for additional measures that expand opportunity and protect consumers—continues to move through the legislative process.
LA City Budget Includes Critical Spay/Neuter Funding to Help Address Shelter Overcrowding
Thousands more dogs and cats will gain access to affordable spay/neuter services under the 2026-27 Los Angeles City budget, which includes a $1.7 million total increase for life-saving spay/neuter services. This critical investment will support an estimated 10,000–13,000 additional surgeries annually and help reduce shelter overcrowding.
Michelson Center for Public Policy Applauds Initial Investment in “Jails to Jobs” in FY 2026-27 California State Budget
For the first time, the budget includes an investment in Jails to Jobs, a pilot program that will support people on a path to employment shortly after an arrest, giving them a chance to build the financial stability that keeps them from cycling in and out of jail. The Jails to Jobs pilot has been championed by the Vera Institute of Justice, NextGen California, and Michelson Center for Public Policy.
After Risking Their Lives on the Frontlines, Incarcerated Firefighters Could Gain a Path to Careers
The Senate Natural Resources Committee passed California Assembly Bill 2483, a commonsense bill that would ensure the experience and training of California’s incarcerated firefighters are recognized with the certifications necessary to pursue firefighting careers upon release.
Sen. Arreguín Introduces Resolution Recognizing Zero Textbook Cost Program That Saved CA Community College Students $33 Million Last Year
Today, Sen. Jesse Arreguín introduced a resolution on the Senate Floor recognizing the importance of California’s investment in Zero Textbook Cost degrees, as new data shows the program is already saving community college students tens of millions of dollars.
Bill to End Hidden Pet Restrictions in Rental Applications Advances in Legislature
Michelson Center for Public Policy applauds the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s passage of SB 1296, the Pet Policy Transparency Act, a commonsense transparency bill that requires landlords to clearly disclose rental pet policies before charging an application fee.
Proposed LA Budget Ignores Animal Welfare System at Its Breaking Point
Mayor Karen Bass’s proposed 2026–27 City budget increases Los Angeles Animal Services’ (LAAS) budget by just $465,640 (+1.6%) and the City’s spay/neuter fund by less than $1 million. These are marginal adjustments that leave a chronically underfunded system without the resources needed to function effectively.
Los Angeles is Spending Millions on Preventable Animal-Related Costs. There’s a Targeted Fix.
Los Angeles incurs millions of dollars each year in avoidable costs related to its animal welfare system. A targeted, near-term investment in spay/neuter and Animal Services staffing through LA’s budget can begin to stabilize the system and address the underlying drivers of these expenses.
Assemblymember Sade Elhawary Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Create Career Pathways for Incarcerated Firefighters
Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (AD-57) today introduced Assembly Bill 2483 to establish clear, accountable career pathways for incarcerated firefighters seeking to enter California’s fire service upon release.
Jails to Jobs Letter of Support
The signatories to this letter support the Vera Institute of Justice’s, NextGen California's, and the Michelson Center for Public Policy’s request for $40 million in one-time Labor and Workforce Development Fund investment in the FY2026-27 budget to launch a pilot program called “Jails to Jobs” (J2J) that integrates workforce development for Californians in pretrial proceedings.
Los Angeles County Takes Key Step Toward Pet-Inclusive Housing
The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has released a feasibility study exploring how pet-inclusive housing policies can help address housing and equity challenges across the county.
2024/2025 Legislative Accomplishments
The Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP) secured key policy victories in California’s 2024/2025 legislative session, advancing equity in education, justice reform, and animal welfare. Through strategic sponsorship, support, and advocacy, MCPP played a pivotal role in passing legislation that addresses systemic inequities and strengthens communities. The following bills were signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
California Boosts Pay For Incarcerated Firefighters
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 247 into law, boosting wages for California’s incarcerated firefighters from $1 per hour to $7.25 per hour while assigned to active wildfire incidents. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan and co-sponsored by Initiate Justice Action and Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), is part of the Firefighting to Freedom bill package, which aims to honor and support California’s incarcerated firefighters through legislative action.