This legislative session saw a record 87 vetoes, but the work for justice is far from over. Many of these bills aligned closely with ELCA social teachings, including protections for tenants, stronger gun safety laws, expanded voter access, and affirmations of reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare.

Among the vetoed bills were efforts to:

• Curb medical debt and predatory pricing (Economic Life, 1999)
• Protect immigrant students and honor cultural diversity (Immigration, 1998; Race, Ethnicity & Culture, 1993)
• Expand paid family leave and housing stability (Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All)
• Reduce gun violence and protect election integrity (Community Violence, 1994; Government & Civic Engagement, 2020)

As Lutherans, we are called to love our neighbor through public witness. LEAN and our partners will continue this work during the legislative interim—educating, organizing, and preparing to lift up these values again in 2027.

Consumer Protection & Economic Justice

Relevant Bills:

• AB 44 (Price manipulation ban)
• AB 204 (Medical debt reform)
• AB 223 / AB 201 / AB 280 / AB 283 (Tenant protections)

Voter Engagement

Relevant Bills:

• AB 306 / AB 499 / AB 534 / AB 496 (Election access and transparency)

Healthcare Access & Reproductive Justic

Relevant Bills:

• SB 171 / SB 217 (Reproductive and gender-affirming care protections)

Youth & Education Justice

Relevant Bills:

• AB 217 / AB 397 / AB 416 (Protecting students from ICE, increasing access for homeless youth, free expression in schools)

Racial Justice & Historical Accountability

Relevant Bills:

• AB 328 (Racial Equity Commission)
• AB 209 (Trafficking victim protections)

Worker Rights & Family Support

Relevant Bills:

• AB 388 (Expanded paid family leave)

 Gun Violence Prevention

Relevant Bills:

• AB 105 / AB 245 / SB 89 / SB 156

Cultural Recognition & Inclusion

Relevant Bills:

• AB 82 / AB 98 / AB 144 / AB 278 (Recognizing Diwali, Eid, Vesak, Dolores Huerta, Indigenous Peoples Day, Muslim Heritage Month)