A ‘poison pill’ in California’s budget deal ties state spending
California’s Legislature narrowly passed a $321 billion budget just before the July 1st deadline, but its enactment hinges on approval of two linked infrastructure and housing bills—SB 131 and AB 130—which aim to streamline CEQA reviews for priority and housing projects, triggering criticism from labor unions over wage protections. The rushed negotiations, which included secret provisions and a “poison pill” clause that voids the budget without these bills, drew bipartisan concern over transparency and process, even as proponents emphasize the reforms are essential to boost affordability and project delivery.
