Our 2025 Legislative Priorities – Strengthening California’s Democracy

While the new presidential administration dangerously hacks away at institutions of our federal government, we’re helping California pave a different path. The 2025 legislative session is underway, and we’re working to strengthen all aspects of our democracy from within our state. No matter who is in charge at the federal level, we’re ensuring that all Californians will have a healthy, inclusive, and thriving democracy for generations to come.

SB 42: The California Fair Elections Act

Public financing of campaigns is the best way to empower voters, increase the diversity of candidates running for office, and give voters confidence that big money can’t just buy our elections.

Five California charter cities currently provide public financing matching funds or “democracy vouchers” to help voters support qualified candidates of their choice, but state law currently bans counties, districts, general law cities, and the State from offering public funds for campaigns. SB 42 would put a measure on the November 2026 ballot to remove this ban.

Voters across the political spectrum know that the crushing expense of campaigning can prevent great candidates from getting elected. This bill empowers candidates from all walks of life to compete for public office without having to rely on wealthy donors.

SB 266: Expanding language access in elections

SB 266 would bring translated votable ballots—not just sample ones—to more California voters, including more of the most popular languages spoken in the state.

Every vote matters, and ensuring voters can cast an informed ballot means protecting their right to representation. SB 266 ensures that more voters, regardless of their language skills, can fully understand their choices, hold their leaders accountable, and have a say in the decisions that shape their lives and communities.

AB 611: Keep News Independent Act

The Keep News Independent Act is about putting communities, not corporations, in control of their local news.

AB 611 would require advance notice and transparency when a local newspaper is being sold to a non-independent buyer, giving journalists and community-based organizations a chance to step in and preserve independent journalism. It aims to slow the wave of media consolidation that’s threatening California’s information ecosystem and how everyday people get information about what is happening in their neighborhoods and communities.

At its core, this is all about giving communities a fighting chance to protect something fundamental to our democracy — trusted, local journalism. When hedge funds quietly acquire local newspapers and gut their newsrooms, the public loses access to information that helps them vote, advocate, and hold power accountable.

AB 868: Ensuring better representation in local elections

Too often, important local offices that impact our day-to-day lives are determined by the smallest number of voters in primary elections. AB 868, a two-year bill, helps ensure more voices are heard by requiring elections for county offices be decided in general elections, when most voters participate. This leads to better representation and county offices that reflect the communities they are intended to serve.

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