California Governor Vetoes Multiple Bills, Citing Cost and Controversy

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have provided free condoms to public high school students, citing the cost of implementing such a program in a state with a budget deficit of over $30 billion. The bill, known as Senate bill 541, aimed to make condoms available to all students in grades 9-12 and as part of educational or public health programs in grades 7-12. Newsom acknowledged the importance of programs promoting adolescent sexual health but expressed concerns about the cumulative fiscal impact of multiple bills passed this year. In a separate move, Newsom signed a law requiring all new school buses purchased or contracted by school districts to be zero-emission starting in 2035, as part of California's plan to phase out fossil fuel use.