CPUC Acts, Makes California National Trailblazer for Natural Gas Subsidy Elimination

By Shiloh Wallack On September 15, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a press release announcing it was taking action to “eliminate natural gas line subsidies for new natural gas hookups,” stating “[t]he first-in-the-nation action will reduce greenhouse Continue reading

AB 1636 Aims to Prevent Licensure of Physicians and Surgeons Who Have Committed Sexual Misconduct

By Tala Hughes AB 1636 (Weber), as introduced January 12, 2022, would amend sections 2221, 2232, and 2307 of the Business and Professions Code, pertaining to the Medical Board of California (“MBC” or “Board”) obligations to deny and revoke licensure Continue reading

State Bar’s Paraprofessional Proposal Returns from Public Comment; Revisions Likely Amid Opposition

By Andrea Lavelle On January 12, 2022, the 110 day public comment period ended for the State Bar’s California Paraprofessional Program Working Group’s (CPPWG) report and recommendations. After receiving more than 2,000 comments from 1,279 individuals and organizations, the Bar Continue reading

Governor Newsom Appoints New President and New Commissioner of CPUC

By Riley Minkoff On November 22, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the President of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Marybel Batjer would be retiring effective December 31, 2021 and that he was appointing Senior Advisor to the Governor Continue reading

California Legislature Urges United States Congress to Amend GI Benefits Requirements

By James Lanham Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) No. 12 (Stone), as filed with the Secretary of State on September 7, 2021, encourages the United States Congress to eliminate the requirements that a law school must be accredited by a specialized Continue reading

State Bar Concludes Investigation on July 2021 Bar Exam Technological Issues

By James Lanham On September 27, 2021, the State Bar published a news release announcing the conclusion of its investigation into technological issues experienced by remote Bar Exam takers in July of 2021. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Bar Continue reading

Climate Insurance Working Group Releases Draft Report with Recommendations to Save Costs related to Climate-Fueled Heat Waves, Wildfires, and Flooding

By Julia Zeigler The Climate Insurance Working Group was enacted by legislation (SB 30 (Lara) (Chapter 614, Statutes of 2018)).  The new Working Group is to examine issues related to climate change, resilience, and insurance. The mission of this working Continue reading

California’s Healthcare Worker Vaccine Mandate Further Impacts Nursing Shortage

By Hamdy M. Masri On August 5, 2021, Tomás J. Aragón, the State Public Health Officer & Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), issued an order requiring that all healthcare workers in California be vaccinated against COVID-19. Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission’s Independent Watchdog Recommends $166 Million Fine Against Pacific Gas & Electric (R 18-12-005)

By Tristan Stidham On October 30, 2020, the Public Advocate’s Office (PAO), the consumer protection watchdog of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), recommended a $166 million fine against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) for failing to warn customers of Continue reading

Two New Studies Reveal the California Bar Exam Cut Score’s Racially Disparate Impact, and State Bar of California Continues its own Study of the Bar Exam

By Juan M. Villalvazo In October 2020, two studies analyzing the various ways in which California’s minimum bar exam passing score (“cut score”) on the Bar exam impacts examinee outcomes. Both studies were conducted by the same authors, and were Continue reading