California Senate Finishes Legislative Year Moving Key Priorities Forward for All Californians
What you need to know: The California State Senate gaveled down this month, bringing the 2025-2026 Legislative year to a close. The Senate heard hundreds of bills for a stronger future for all Californians. Senate Democrats now look forward to the Governor weighing in on these important policies.
SACRAMENTO – Last week, the California State Senate finished the 2026 legislative year in Sacramento. Facing unprecedented rollbacks from the federal administration, lawmakers heard concerns and priorities from millions of Californians and delivered on meaningful policies to invest in families, protect communities, safeguard their rights, and preserve the state’s air and water.
I am proud of the work done by the California State Senate this year to ensure this state continues to support California families. As California faced impacts from the federal administration, senators came together to move policies forward that doubled down on our commitment to protecting everyone who calls California home.
Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón
After 406 committee hearings and over 800 hours of debate and public comment, the California State Senate passed numerous policies to support California families, protect equality, and lay a strong foundation for the future. Learn more about some of those policies below.
KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE CA STATE SENATE
Healthcare: Every Californian should have access to safe, high-quality, and affordable healthcare. That is why the California State Senate fought back against the most harmful federal funding cuts to the Medi-Cal and Medicare programs. This includes programs that serve those most in need: children, older adults, and those with disabilities.
Housing: A stable home provides families with more than just a roof over their heads. It's where families put down roots, and where veterans who served our country should be able to come home to – not a waiting list or a shelter bed. The State Senate took another historic step forward to address the ongoing housing crisis, with a particular commitment to the men and women who wore the uniform. The Senate passed a $11.25 billion Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act to fund housing construction, preserve affordable housing, and expand homeownership opportunities – because those who sacrificed for our freedoms deserve a safe and affordable place to call home.
Early Education: The Senate continued to make child care a priority this year, protecting funding and keeping the state on track to expand access for working families. The 2026–27 budget funds approximately 125,000 new child care slots, allowing more parents to work while knowing their children have access to care. Senators also continue to build toward universal preschool and strengthen the child care system that families and providers rely on.
Higher Education: To help Californians pursue higher education or find the right career path, Senators fought to protect access to the Middle Class Scholarship Program. A college education has always been a pathway to success – not just for individual students, but for future generations. That's why the Senate focused on removing barriers for all Californians to reach their full potential, regardless of their ZIP code or family income level.
Election Protection: Voting is the foundation of our democracy. Every eligible voter should feel safe heading to the polls and confident their vote will be counted. With Californians facing unprecedented attacks on their constitutional right to vote from the federal government, the Senate stood firm – strengthening protections for voters and poll workers from threats and intimidation, limiting federal interference in the state's election process, and expanding access so more Californians can safely and securely cast their ballot.
Protecting Our Natural Resources: While Washington attacks the environment, the Senate fought for the future. Senators stood up for California – protecting our coastline from offshore drilling, cutting plastic pollution at the source, and expanding the public's voice in conservation decisions. The Senate pushed for hundreds of millions in new funding for safe drinking water, public lands protection, and community pollution reduction. Senators also pushed back against efforts to weaken the Coastal Act and clean air programs, showing what protecting California for generations to come looks like.