Water, School Bonds Top Legislature's Agenda As Final Month Begins

California lawmakers return to work Monday with just four weeks left before they adjourn for the end of their two-year session.

A water bond, a school bond, a statewide plastic bag ban, paid sick leave: All big issues that may – or may not – be resolved before lawmakers hit the campaign trail at the end of the month.

The bonds will be up first: They face a mid-month deadline to give the Secretary of State’s office enough time to get them on the November ballot. There’s already an $11 billion water bond waiting for voters, but many at the Capitol believe it’s too expensive and poorly-written to pass this fall. The school bond, meanwhile, faces resistance from Governor Jerry Brown.

The paid sick leave bill would allow all employees in California to earn up to three days a year. It faces strong opposition from business groups. The statewide plastic bag ban has the support of California grocers and retailers but not the paper or plastic bag industries.

All bills must pass the Legislature by midnight on August 31.