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California families are already being crushed by high taxes, soaring utility bills, expensive groceries, rising housing costs, and rampant crime — but Sacramento politicians showed no remorse as they closed out the 2026 legislative session by passing yet another wave of reckless bills that will worsen our state's affordability crisis.
“In 2026 California Democrats in the legislature passed a bunch of bad laws that will spike every family's cost of living even higher – and I don't know how much more struggling Californians can take of this," warns State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, Chairman of Reform California.
“Instead of fixing the problems they created, these politicians are doubling down on the same failed policies that are driving families and businesses out of California,” DeMaio says.
DeMaio compiled a list of his "Top 10 Worst Bills" of the Legislature in 2026 – with most of them increasing the cost of living, wasting taxpayer funds, infringing on personal freedoms, or undermining public safety.
Here are Reform California’s 10 Worst Bills Passed by the California Legislature in 2026:
Creates special privacy protections for employees and volunteers at immigration organizations and makes it easier to punish people who publish their personal information or images.
DeMaio says this bill is designed to protect politically connected immigration organizations from public scrutiny and silence of journalists, investigators, and citizens who expose how taxpayer money is being spent.
“Instead of prosecuting fraudsters, Sacramento wants to punish the people exposing them. That’s completely backwards,” DeMaio warns.
The 2026-2027 state budget spends a record amount fueled by massive tax hikes but delivers dismal results because it is filled with wasteful spending. $1 billion more will be wasted on the High Speed Train boondoggle, hundreds of millions for funding political activities of far-Left NGOs, and irresponsible salary hikes and pension spikes for government workers.
There's also $12 billion in free taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants while raising the cost of insurance on citizens by imposing a $426-per family insurance premium tax.
Allows local politicians to raise the sales tax – in some cases above 10-11%!
Instead of lowering California’s crushing tax burden, Sacramento politicians keep inventing new loopholes to raise taxes even higher.
Bans law enforcement from using a specified less-lethal wearable electroshock device until 2030 — while ordering the state to study the very same technology.
“Once again, Sacramento politicians are tying the hands of police while criminals get a pass,” DeMaio stated.
A massive spending bill stuffed with taxpayer spending to far-Left NGOs with no competitive bidding and rushed through Sacramento with little time for public scrutiny. The bill includes millions more for politically active immigration organizations such as CHIRLA.
“California is billions in the red, but Sacramento always seems to find millions for its political allies. That’s the definition of a slush fund,” stated DeMaio.
Allows local governments to push road repair and maintenance costs into utility rates, trash bills, and other public service charges.
Instead of fixing California’s roads with the taxes drivers already pay, Sacramento politicians are opening the door to yet another hidden charge on household bills.
Prohibits law enforcement from making most arrests within 200 feet of polling places on Election Day and makes several other changes to California election procedures.
DeMaio says California should be strengthening election security and public confidence — not putting more restrictions on law enforcement around polling locations.
As state and local government pension systems are deep in half-a-trillion in debt, state politicians pass this reckless bill to increase pension benefits and lower the retirement age for government workers!
Expect the government pension tsunami to hit our state soon – resulting in bankruptcies for local government, higher taxes, and massive service cuts...all to fund gold-plated pension payouts for government workers.
Expands California’s restrictions on law enforcement officers wearing masks to include state peace officers.
Instead of giving police the support and protection they need, Sacramento politicians are putting police at risk of being doxxed and harassed at home.
Bars certain former federal immigration enforcement officers from getting future jobs with California cities, counties, special districts, and other public agencies.
“Only in California would politicians blacklist someone from a government job because they enforced federal immigration law,” DeMaio stated.
Dishonorable Mentions
AB 182 — The Ballot Manipulation Bill
Allows Sacramento politicians to dictate the placement and numbering of five statewide measures on the November 2026 ballot — giving their preferred measures the first spots voters see.
DeMaio says politicians should not be manipulating ballot order to give their own measures a political advantage.
AB 1116 — Online Voter Registration Without a California ID
Allows individuals without a California driver’s license or state identification card to register to vote online using alternative identifying information.
DeMaio says, “Californians are demanding Voter ID, but Sacramento politicians keep moving in the opposite direction. Best thing to do is send a message by voting YES on Prop 39 in November for Voter ID!”
Sacramento’s Priorities Are Backwards
The 2026 legislative session offered Californians another clear look at Sacramento’s priorities.
Instead of lowering the cost of living, cracking down on crime, protecting taxpayers, and restoring confidence in elections, DeMaio says politicians advanced bills that raise costs, restrict police, expand government power, and weaken accountability.
DeMaio and Reform California say they will continue exposing these bills, informing voters how their legislators voted, and fighting to restore accountability and common sense in state government.
Join Reform California’s fight to hold Sacramento politicians accountable and take back our state:
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