Featured Stories
R.I. Gov. McKee Ceremonially Signs Bill Removing Barriers for New Grocery Stores
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, July 3 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Governor McKee Ceremonially Signs Bill Removing Barriers for New Grocery Stores
This legislation will prevent food deserts, protect small businesses, and enhance access to healthy food in Rhode Island
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WOONSOCKET, RI -- Today, Governor Dan McKee was joined by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos; bill sponsors Representative Stephen Casey (D-Dist. 50, Woonsocket), Senator Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield), and Senator Brian Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket,
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, July 3 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Governor McKee Ceremonially Signs Bill Removing Barriers for New Grocery Stores
This legislation will prevent food deserts, protect small businesses, and enhance access to healthy food in Rhode Island
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WOONSOCKET, RI -- Today, Governor Dan McKee was joined by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos; bill sponsors Representative Stephen Casey (D-Dist. 50, Woonsocket), Senator Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield), and Senator Brian Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket,Cumberland); Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp; community nonprofit workers and local grocery store owners to ceremonially sign legislation (S2644/H8106) that protects communities, consumers, and local small businesses from anti-competitive practices used by major supermarket chains.
The legislation, introduced at the request of Lt. Governor Matos as the centerpiece of her Fair Price Grocery Agenda, prevents supermarket chains from binding real estate with restrictive covenants. Sometimes called "scorched earth" covenants, these agreements prohibit the sale of fresh food and other groceries on key pieces of real estate in communities from Woonsocket to Westerly for terms of up to 30 years. Rhode Island was the first state in the nation to propose legislation limiting restrictive covenants and is the second state to pass such a measure.
"For too long, restrictive covenants have blocked grocery stores from opening in communities that need them. This law changes that, helping prevent food deserts, strengthen local businesses, and expand access to fresh, healthy food," said Governor Dan McKee. "I was proud to sign this bill into law, and I want to thank Lt. Governor Matos, Senator Murray, and Representative Casey for their leadership."
"For too long, consumers have been getting squeezed by the nation's biggest chains. Rhode Islanders have felt the pain at register as these companies use sheer size to bully small businesses and monopolize municipalities," said Lieutenant Governor Matos. "Today is a victory for the power of the people over the influence of money and corporate greed. We are going to keep pushing to ensure that every community has access to fresh, affordable food and that every independent entrepreneur can succeed."
Governor McKee's action on this bill will help protect Rhode Islanders from inflation at the grocery store. Recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has shown that areas with less competition in the supermarket industry suffer from larger, faster, and more persistent jumps in inflation. Rhode Island has one of the most consolidated grocery markets in the nation and experienced a 12% jump in the number of food deserts from 2015 to 2019, according to the most recent data from the US Department of Agriculture.
"When a big supermarket closes and prevents any other fresh food retailer from opening on the property, it can leave the neighborhood without a grocery market for miles, deliberately creating a 'food desert.' For the many people struggling to get by, especially those without adequate transportation, that means more of their food is coming from convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. It's going to be less healthy and more expensive. Grocery stores are a vital public health need. Our state should not allow anyone to impose such a restriction on any property," said Senator Murray, chairwoman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
"Major grocery store chains use these restrictive covenants when they relocate to prevent competition from springing up in their old location or neighborhood. This has happened twice in Woonsocket, leaving us with a single grocery store for the entire city," said Representative Casey. "While this practice might be good for the bottom line of these multimillion-dollar companies, it leaves many residents -- especially those with limited mobility or access to reliable transportation -- without convenient access to the essential neighborhood resource that is a grocery store. Ending this practice will be a great benefit to Woonsocket and all the communities across Rhode Island that are suffering from the same situation."
"This bill helps protect cities like Woonsocket from large corporations that put profits over people. Greater grocery store choice benefits our residents and our city. By eliminating restrictive covenants when stores relocate, we can allow competition to thrive," said Mayor Christopher Beauchamp.
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-ceremonially-signs-bill-removing-barriers-new-grocery-stores
Md. A.G. Office: Independent Investigations Division Investigating Police-Involved In-Custody Death in Greenbelt
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Police-Involved In-Custody Death in Greenbelt
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a police-involved in-custody death that occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on July 1, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., United States Park Police (USPP) requested that the Greenbelt Police
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Police-Involved In-Custody Death in Greenbelt
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a police-involved in-custody death that occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on July 1, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., United States Park Police (USPP) requested that the Greenbelt PoliceDepartment (GPD) respond to the unit block of Southway in Greenbelt to assist them after they reported that they observed a single vehicle leave the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and crash into a wooded area along Southway just off the parkway. Officers requested emergency medical crews to respond to the scene. When GPD officers arrived on scene, USPP had already placed the driver of the vehicle in handcuffs and escorted him out of the wooded area and to the roadway. While in custody, the driver became unresponsive. Officers provided assistance. Prince George's County Fire & EMS Department (PGFD) arrived on scene, rendered emergency medical aid, and transported the driver to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. An infant was in the driver's vehicle but was not injured. No officers were injured in the incident.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or by email at [email protected].
The IID will generally release the name of the decedent and any involved officers within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary, pursuant to IID protocols.
Under Maryland law, the IID has the authority to investigate Maryland police officers involved in incidents that result in the death of an individual or injuries likely to result in the death of individual.
GPD officers were equipped with body-worn cameras. The IID will generally release body-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Independent-Investigations-Division-Investigating-Police-Involved-In-Custody-Death-in-Greenbelt.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a formal comment letter today opposing the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) attempt to aid the president's efforts to seize control of elections and restrict mail-in voting through a proposed rule, and asking the Postal Service to withdraw the proposed rule. Although
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a formal comment letter today opposing the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) attempt to aid the president's efforts to seize control of elections and restrict mail-in voting through a proposed rule, and asking the Postal Service to withdraw the proposed rule. Althoughyesterday the United States District Court for the District of Columbia enjoined USPS from making this proposed rule, the USPS has not withdrawn it.
On March 31, President Trump signed an executive order attempting to establish a comprehensive citizenship list and a national list of voters eligible to vote by mail in federal elections, and directed USPS, an independent federal agency, to transmit mail ballots only to those on the eligibility list. In the order, the President threatened states and elections officials with criminal prosecution and the loss of federal funding if they do not comply with order's eligibility requirements.
A federal judge struck down that executive order last week in a lawsuit joined by Attorney General Brown with the order applying to 24 states. And yesterday a second federal judge enjoined USPS from final adoption of the proposed rule. Nevertheless, the USPS has so far not rescinded its proposed rule to implement Trump's illegal executive order. Under the proposed rule, USPS would create a centralized list of voter information and would refuse to deliver ballots to any eligible voter who is not on that list, essentially giving the federal government control over elections conducted by mail.
In the comment letter, the attorneys general argue that this proposed rule violates the federal court's order, which enjoins USPS from finalizing the proposed rule, and also amounts to an unconstitutional power grab by the federal government. The Constitution does not allow the President to unilaterally impose changes to federal election procedures, particularly without an act of Congress permitting him to do so. The attorneys general also argue the proposed rule conflicts with USPS's governing statutes and other federal voting laws.
The proposed rule would enact these unconstitutional changes before the 2026 election. Implementing these changes would require states to upend their existing election administration procedures for upcoming elections and conduct statewide voter education mere months before the beginning of mail voting for the 2026 general election. Such drastic and rapid changes would undoubtedly create confusion and chaos, threatening to disenfranchise eligible voters.
State and federal law entitle all eligible voters to cast ballots and have their votes counted in state and federal elections. Voters of all parties, in all states, and of every background utilize mail-in voting - including the President himself. This week's Supreme Court decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee reaffirmed states' authority to administer their elections, like permitting voters to cast ballots by mail.
Joining Attorney General Brown in the comment letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Multistate-Opposition-to-Postal-Service%e2%80%99s-Attempt-to-Undermine-Voting-Rights.aspx
ICYMI: Pa. Gov. Shapiro 'Takes Center Stage in America 250 Celebrations,' Calling on Pennsylvanians to Continue the Work of Our Founders and Defend Democracy
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 3 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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ICYMI: Governor Shapiro "Takes Center Stage in America 250 Celebrations," Calling on Pennsylvanians to Continue the Work of Our Founders and Defend Democracy
"If Madison were here today, he'd be really concerned about how one man has accumulated so much power and is wielding it in really dangerous ways, and I hope that at this 250-year mark we find our way back."
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Taking center stage during America's 250th anniversary celebrations, Governor Josh Shapiro is calling
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 3 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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ICYMI: Governor Shapiro "Takes Center Stage in America 250 Celebrations," Calling on Pennsylvanians to Continue the Work of Our Founders and Defend Democracy
"If Madison were here today, he'd be really concerned about how one man has accumulated so much power and is wielding it in really dangerous ways, and I hope that at this 250-year mark we find our way back."
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Taking center stage during America's 250th anniversary celebrations, Governor Josh Shapiro is callingon Pennsylvanians to carry on the work of the founding fathers to preserve our republic, tell the full story of our history, and stand up for our values in the face of threats to democracy, as the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Thursday.
As we approach Independence Day, the Governor has remained focused on bringing people together to celebrate America in the birthplace of our democracy while reclaiming patriotism from those who have distorted its meaning.
"When Shapiro delivers his messages of unity and freedom to a broader audience in the coming days... 'It's what he should be doing right now, because this is what America is about,'" Alison Dagnes, a political-science professor at Shippensburg University, told the Inquirer.
Governor Shapiro joined Morning Joe on Wednesday to highlight the responsibilities our Founders left behind to protect our fundamental freedoms and "stand up to the petty tyrants in the way."
"There's no question that people are hurting because of the chaos, the cruelty, the corruption of Donald Trump that is infecting everything, that is impacting lives, is hurting real people in my state and across the country in many ways. Our story in America has been our ability to overcome adversity. This isn't the first time our nation has faced adversity, but what we have done in every chapter of our American story is - despite the challenges - we've ended that chapter on a more hopeful note, with more freedom, more opportunity, more justice, more equity.
"I know it doesn't feel that way right now, but we are in the midst of writing that chapter, and it will be up to the American people - fewer people with titles next to their name - more ordinary Americans doing what Franklin said to that woman outside Independence Hall that Meacham referenced, defending our republic, keeping our republic. The work falls to all of us."
Read this new reporting here (https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/josh-shapiro-america-250th-philadelphia-20260702.html) and see key excerpts below:
The Philadelphia Inquirer: As Congress comes to Philadelphia, Josh Shapiro takes center stage in America 250 celebrations
"The founders made clear that we have a real responsibility to do the work to constantly perfect our union," Shapiro said in an interview this week, ahead of his speech before the ceremonial meeting of Congress, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed in that same building. "And that the Congress of the United States has a unique responsibility in that to be a check on the executive branch."
Those words come at a critical inflection point in America's history. [...]
"I don't think patriotism belongs to one party. I don't think it should ever be partisan," Shapiro said. "Unfortunately, Donald Trump routinely divides us, routinely injects partisanship into his definition of patriotism, and his actions, in many ways, are the opposite of patriotism."
As Trump plans to spend America's 250th birthday hosting a political rally on the National Mall-- with no plans to visit Philadelphia, the city where the nation was founded -- Shapiro sees his own role as a unifier, and in direct contrast to Trump. [...]
"If Madison were here today, he'd be really concerned about how one man has accumulated so much power and is wielding it in really dangerous ways, and I hope that at this 250-year mark we find our way back to that balance and back to the constraints on the people who lead our government," he said.
Shapiro sees his leadership style as a "direct contrast" to Trump's, especially at this moment.
"[Trump] restricts peoples' freedom and liberties," the governor added. "He whitewashes our history. That doesn't further a sense of community, that doesn't further patriotism. All that does is divide us, and I refuse to participate in that."
But for the next few days, Shapiro said his approach to the 250th celebrations is to: "Celebrate America, find ways to bring people together, and to have some fun in the process."
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/icymi--governor-shapiro--takes-center-stage-in-america-250-celeb
Del. A.G. Jennings Announces Two Major Victories Striking Down Executive Orders on Elections
DOVER, Delaware, July 3 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jennings announces two major victories striking down executive orders on elections
Attorney General Jennings today announced two major victories as U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts grants summary judgment and permanent injunctions against two Trump Administration Executive Orders, EO 14248 and EO 14399.
"The Constitution is crystal clear: it is the authority of the states - not the federal government, and certainly not an out-of-control
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DOVER, Delaware, July 3 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jennings announces two major victories striking down executive orders on elections
Attorney General Jennings today announced two major victories as U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts grants summary judgment and permanent injunctions against two Trump Administration Executive Orders, EO 14248 and EO 14399.
"The Constitution is crystal clear: it is the authority of the states - not the federal government, and certainly not an out-of-controlPresident - to administer elections," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "These flagrant attempts to intimidate voters and interfere with our elections were always illegal. The Court's rulings reinforce the fight for free, fair, and legal elections and show how we can fight back--and win--when our rights are threatened. We will continue fighting to protect elections in Delaware and across our country."
On Wednesday, June 24, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts grantedOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader the coalition's motion for summary judgment and blocked key provisions of Executive Order No. 14248 from taking effect. Issued by President Trump on March 25, 2025, the Executive Order attempted to conscript state election officials in the President's campaign to impose documentary proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration, force States to ignore mail ballots that are cast by Election Day but received by election officials just days afterward, and withhold various streams of federal funding from the States if they fail to comply. The coalition filed a lawsuit challenging the Executive Order in April 2025, secured a preliminary injunction blocking unlawful provisions of the Executive Order in June 2025, and successfully defeated the Trump Administration's motion to dismiss in September 2025. The coalition filed its motion for summary judgment in December 2025, and the court heard oral argument in February 2026.
President Trump issued Executive Order No. 14399, which attempted to establish a national list of eligible voters and directed the U.S. Postal Service, an independent federal agency, to transmit mail ballots only to those on the list, March 31, 2026. The coalition filed a lawsuit challenging that Executive Order in April 2026. On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed to U.S. Senators that, under a proposed U.S. Postal Service rule based on Executive Order No. 14399, if states refused to turn over their absentee ballot lists, the U.S. Postal Service would not mail their absentee ballots.
The next day, on June 25, 2026, the court issued an orderOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader granting the states' motion for summary judgment, striking down sections of Executive Order No. 14399 as "unlawful, null, and void," and issuing a permanent injunction. The U.S. Postal Service is now prohibited from refusing to transmit mail-in or absentee ballots from voters registered in Delaware and other plaintiff states. The federal government is also barred from investigating or prosecuting state and local officials for not complying with blocked provisions of Trump's executive order in connection with the November 3, 2026, federal election or any earlier federal election.
In the lawsuit challenging Executive Order 14399, AG Jennings was joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/07/02/attorney-general-jennings-announces-two-major-victories-striking-down-executive-orders-on-elections/
California State Parks Pass Programs Reach Major Milestones During Last Week to Download the Free Historian Passport
SACRAMENTO, California, July 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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California State Parks pass programs reach major milestones during last week to download the free Historian Passport
What you need to know: As the July 6 deadline to get a free Historian Passport nears, California State Parks free pass programs are hitting major milestones while connecting hundreds of thousands of Californians with the largest and most diverse state park system in the nation.
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With the Fourth of July holiday weekend fast approaching, Governor Gavin
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SACRAMENTO, California, July 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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California State Parks pass programs reach major milestones during last week to download the free Historian Passport
What you need to know: As the July 6 deadline to get a free Historian Passport nears, California State Parks free pass programs are hitting major milestones while connecting hundreds of thousands of Californians with the largest and most diverse state park system in the nation.
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With the Fourth of July holiday weekend fast approaching, Governor GavinNewsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom are reminding Californians to download a free Historian Passport and explore the largest and most diverse state park system in the country.
"Every Californian should get to see part of what makes California extraordinary -- the coastlines, the golden valleys, the redwoods, the history. That's why we've made free passes available, and that's why we're committed to expanding access to California's park system to reach more people. The Golden State will never back down from that promise," said Governor Gavin Newsom.
Expanding access to California's natural beauty represents our values as a state and emphasizes that time in nature is vital for children's health, happiness, and overall well-being. By removing the barrier of cost, we're fostering the next generation of environmental stewards while ensuring every child can experience the breathtaking beauty and history of our state," said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Since Governor Newsom and the First Partner's announcement two weeks ago of a special free pass to California's state historic parks, more than 360,000 people have downloaded the free Historian Passport. Additionally, other efforts to expand access to California State Parks recently reached major milestones:
* More than 100,000 downloads of the free California State Parks pass for fourth graders over the life of the program.
* Ongoing funding in the state budget for the California State Library Parks Pass.
Created during the Newsom administration to expand access to California's 280 state parks (and growing) -- these free park passes are a cornerstone of the Outdoors for All initiative, Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom's commitment to equitable park access, ensuring all Californians can enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of being in nature.
FREE fourth grade pass
Championed by and in partnership with the First Partner and the California Natural Resources Agency, the free California State Park Adventure Pass recently surpassed 100,000 downloads since its launch in 2021. The pass has empowered students from every county in California and their families to visit 54 iconic participating state parks.
"For Californians, this milestone reflects the belief that our greatest classrooms extend far beyond four walls -- they are found within these 54 incredible parks in towering forests, along rugged coastlines and within the historic places that tell the story of who we are," said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. "Through this free pass, thousands of fourth graders and their families are not only discovering the wonders of our state's natural and cultural treasures but also connecting with California's rich history. These experiences reveal the mental and physical health benefits of being outdoors and remind all of us that these extraordinary places belong to every Californian."
FREE California State Library Parks Pass
The 2026-27 state budget signed by Governor Newsom, and in partnership with the Legislature, includes $6.75 million ongoing from the General Fund to make the California State Library Park Pass a permanent program. That means library cardholders can continue to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks.
There are 33,000 passes available at public and tribal libraries throughout California. These passes have become so popular that they are one of the most checked out items in the entire State Library system, and select libraries also offer backpacks with outdoor exploration tools, including binoculars, compasses and wildlife guides.
"This is a landmark moment for expanding access to California's state parks," said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. "By establishing ongoing funding for the California State Library Parks Pass program, California is making a lasting commitment to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to experiencing our state parks. This investment will help connect generations of Californians with the outdoors."
FREE Historian Passport
The response to this free pass in honor of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was immediate, with downloads averaging more than one pass per second over the first few days. Attendance has been noticeably higher at participating parks.
Supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the Historian Passport (typical cost $50) is valid for the rest of 2026 at more than 30 state historic parks throughout California, where visitors can immerse themselves in the state's unvarnished, complex history. Download your pass for free by July 6!
FREE Golden Bear Pass
The new and improved Golden Bear Pass Program -- which allows residents on public assistance programs to receive free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 state parks -- is a prime example of how greater government efficiency under the Newsom administration is delivering real results for Californians. Thanks to a streamlined application process that eliminates the need for burdensome paperwork, this program has experienced exponential growth, going from a couple thousand free passes a year to more than 146,000 Golden Bear Passes over the past few years.
Moving forward
California State Parks will soon offer even more to explore. Governor Newsom announced State Parks Forward on Earth Day, a bold effort to establish three new state parks and expand existing parks by more than 30,000 acres by the end of the decade. This is the biggest expansion of the State Park System in decades and is providing more access to parks in the Central Valley.
State Parks protects the best of California's natural and cultural history; more than 340 miles of coastline; the tallest, largest and among the oldest trees in the world; and deserts, lakes, rivers and beaches. There are more than 5,200 miles of trails, 15,000 campsites, 145,000 acres for off-highway vehicle recreation, plus prehistoric and historic archeological sites, ghost towns, historic homes and monuments - all waiting for you.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/02/california-state-parks-pass-programs-reach-major-milestones-during-last-week-to-download-the-free-historian-passport/
California Reaches Major Milestone in Modernizing Behavioral Healthcare: Proposition 1 Goes Into Effect Statewide
SACRAMENTO, California, July 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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California reaches major milestone in modernizing behavioral healthcare: Proposition 1 goes into effect statewide
More beds, more treatment, more accountability
What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced that all California counties have reached a major milestone in modernizing behavioral healthcare by advancing a stronger behavioral health workforce, expanding statewide prevention strategies, and making investments grounded in outcomes and accountability.
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Governor
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SACRAMENTO, California, July 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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California reaches major milestone in modernizing behavioral healthcare: Proposition 1 goes into effect statewide
More beds, more treatment, more accountability
What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced that all California counties have reached a major milestone in modernizing behavioral healthcare by advancing a stronger behavioral health workforce, expanding statewide prevention strategies, and making investments grounded in outcomes and accountability.
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GovernorGavin Newsom today announced that California is now shifting to the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) in all 58 counties as of July 2026, realizing the goal of Proposition 1 approved by voters in 2024. Proposition 1 moves California's behavioral health systems from the Mental Health Services Act to the transformative BHSA framework, aligning county investments to address behavioral health grounded in accountability, equity, and outcomes.
For people experiencing homelessness, including veterans, the BHSA can deliver access to comprehensive care which may include substance use disorder treatment and supportive housing, a stronger and more diverse behavioral health workforce, and new statewide prevention strategies to help prevent Californians young and old from experiencing mental illness and substance use disorders.
"Today marks a historic turning point for California, reflecting years of work to modernize and strengthen our behavioral health system. Through the BHSA, we are fundamentally reshaping how Californians receive mental health and substance use services and supports. This is about outcomes, dignity, and ensuring that every person, no matter their circumstance, has a path to stability, wellness, and hope," said Governor Gavin Newsom.
"The Behavioral Health Services Act reflects a fundamental shift in how California approaches behavioral health," said California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson. "By bringing together prevention, treatment, recovery, housing supports, and workforce investments under a single, coordinated framework, we are building a system that is more connected, more accountable, and better equipped to meet people where they are."
What the Behavioral Health Service Act delivers
With the BHSA now in effect, counties are operating under a modernized structure that:
* Integrates planning across all behavioral health funding sources.
* Targets funding for adults, children, and youth with the highest needs and risks including homelessness, justice-involvement, and institutionalization while supporting investments in early intervention.
* Explicitly includes substance use disorder services, including housing supports and field based outreach.
* Expands permanent supportive housing for Californians with the most significant behavioral health needs.
* Establishes a statewide, upstream prevention program focused on reducing suicide, mental illness, and substance use disorders.
* Strengthens the behavioral health workforce through coordinated education, training, and recruitment investments.
* Strengthens fiscal oversight by ensuring counties maximize federal funding and coordinate benefits, connecting people to their existing health coverage whenever possible.
Building the foundation
California has spent the past several years preparing for this transition and has achieved significant implementation milestones:
* Through DHCS, California has awarded $4.17 billion through the Proposition 1 Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) to support more than 330 behavioral health infrastructure projects. Once completed, these investments are expected to add more than 6,900 residential treatment beds and more than 27,500 outpatient treatment slots, strengthening access to crisis stabilization, residential treatment, outpatient care, and permanent supportive housing across California.
* The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) supported county readiness by developing the BHSA County Policy Manual, a comprehensive, web-based guide shaped by more than 2,660 public comments that provides counties with policy and implementation guidance. All 58 counties and two eligible cities submitted their draft Integrated Plans on time, outlining how they will deliver housing, substance use disorder treatment, crisis care, prevention, and wraparound services in a transparent, outcomes-driven way.
* DHCS launched the statewide Behavioral Health Public County Profile, California's first unified, public-facing tool that brings county behavioral health data together into one easy-to-use place. It is built on data counties are required to report under the BHSA and helps Californians see how counties plan, fund, and deliver behavioral health services.
* The California Department of Public Health, through extensive statewide and Tribal engagement, developed California's Population-Based Prevention Program Final Plan, focused on reducing suicide, self-harm, overdose, and behavioral health disparities, with an emphasis on children, youth, and communities disproportionately impacted by inequities.
* To strengthen the behavioral health workforce, the Department of Health Care Access and Information developed the 2026-2030 Workforce Education and Training Plan, securing approval from the California Behavioral Health Planning Council after extensive statewide engagement. The plan embeds equity and lived experience throughout and aligns investments across licensed providers, the peer and non-licensed workforce, career pathways, and long-term recruitment and retention strategies to support counties and providers in meeting complex behavioral health needs.
Looking ahead
This transformation strengthens California's ability to connect people with the behavioral health care they need, when they need it, while also expanding access to supportive housing and services for those with the most significant needs. Under the BHSA, counties are directing resources toward high-need and complex populations while maintaining robust prevention and early intervention efforts for children and youth.
Together with broad behavioral health reforms, the BHSA supports stronger crisis response, earlier access to services, and a more connected continuum of care, helping reduce the need for emergency and institutional interventions and ensuring people receive support closer to home and earlier in their recovery.
For more information on BHSA policies, stakeholder engagement, and resources visit:
* DHCS Behavioral Health Transformation Website (https://us.list-manage.com/vB4pseyyHaI?e=cf6d94251c&c2id=a322e23fb3165fed0f01a04d35db068f)
* CDPH Behavioral Health Services Act Website (https://us.list-manage.com/x8EmUR_CGvS?e=cf6d94251c&c2id=a322e23fb3165fed0f01a04d35db068f)
* HCAI Behavioral Health Services Act Website (https://us.list-manage.com/qlGHwt3GcYf?e=cf6d94251c&c2id=a322e23fb3165fed0f01a04d35db068f)
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/02/california-reaches-major-milestone-in-modernizing-behavioral-healthcare-proposition-1-goes-into-effect-statewide/
