Staff Reports
As California's legislative session winds down, a wave of new bills are being ushered in. Pending approval, they will land on the desk of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom to either sanction or veto. One bill that stands out proposes a ban on four specific chemicals, which are red dye no. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propyl paraben, in processed foods and beverages by 2027. These chemicals are already prohibited in the European Union and other nations due to health concerns, including cancer risks. Bill author Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel clarified that it doesn't ban products or foods but asks companies to tweak their formulations. Interestingly, a previous draft that intended to ban titanium dioxide, an ingredient in Skittles, was later revised in the state Senate to exclude this chemical.
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Another bill that passed the state Assembly mandates businesses with revenues exceeding $500 million a year to reveal the climate change-related financial threats they face and their strategies to counteract them. Led by State Sen. Henry Stern, a modification was made to this bill, pushing the reporting start year from 2024 to 2026 and changing the frequency from every year to biennially. While advocates believe this data is vital for investment decisions, critics feel it's an unnecessary burden on businesses and might be premature, especially considering potential future regulations from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
In a bid to address climate change, a Senate-approved bill seeks to incorporate climate change education in schools, teaching students its origins, consequences, and potential solutions. Countries such as Italy and New Zealand already have similar educational mandates in place. This bill awaits a final nod from the Assembly to reach Governor Newsom.
Furthermore, a bill is on its way to Newsom that might see an increase in "cannabis cafes" in California. Drawing inspiration from Amsterdam, these venues would let patrons buy cannabis, enjoy non-cannabis refreshments, and attend live musical events. Bill proponent, Assemblymember Matt Haney, believes there's no sound economic, health, or safety argument against these establishments.
With the legislative session nearing its end, Californians are on the edge of their seats, anticipating Newsom’s verdicts on these bills, realizing their potential significant impact on the state's future.
