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CAL.Regulation

California imposes 3-to-5-year prison terms for hit-and-run drivers with prior DUIs and mandates Watson advisements on pled-down charges

Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 907 (Braun's Law) on September 25, 2026. The act amends Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 23635. A hit-and-run driver whose crash kills or seriously injures someone faces three-, four-, or five-year state prison terms when the offense occurred within 10 years of a prior DUI-related conviction. Courts must give the Watson murder advisement when a DUI allegation is dismissed or pled down to a lesser offense. The non-urgency statute takes effect January 1, 2027.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California, CapitolTrack
S.D. CAL.Litigation

San Diego jury awards Taction $5.7 billion against Apple over haptic patents

A federal jury in San Diego on September 25, 2026 found Apple infringed two Taction Technology haptics patents covering vibration technology used in iPhone and Apple Watch Taptic Engine products and awarded about $5.72 billion, Bloomberg Law and Reuters reported. Jurors found the infringement was not willful. Apple said it does not use Taction’s technology and will appeal; the Federal Circuit had revived the case in 2025 after a 2023 noninfringement summary judgment.

Filing (Bloomberg Law) → · Reuters, Patent Litigator, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit +2
CAL.Regulation

California makes Native American Day a paid state holiday, contingent on appropriation

California enacted AB 1841 (Chapter 447, Statutes of 2026), amending Government Code sections 19853 and 19853.1 and adding section 19853.3. Upon a future appropriation by the Legislature, the fourth Friday in September, Native American Day, becomes a paid holiday for state employees, replacing the current option to take the day as an elective eight-hour holiday credit. Any state bargaining unit may also negotiate the day as a paid holiday. Signed September 25, 2026, the act takes effect January 1, 2027.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California
CAL.Regulation

California makes its Office of Tribal Affairs permanent in statute

California enacted AB 2507 (Chapter 449, Statutes of 2026), amending Government Code section 12012.3 to make the Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs permanent. The statute creates a nine-member Tribal Advisory Committee of tribal chairs, three each from the northern, central and southern regions, and requires state agencies that engage tribal governments to designate a tribal liaison, adopt tribal consultation policies and keep the office informed of liaison appointments. Signed September 25, 2026, it takes effect January 1, 2027.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California
CAL.Regulation

California requires short-term rental platforms to report listings to tribes on request

California enacted the Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2026 (SB 594, Chapter 456, Statutes of 2026), adding Government Code sections 50997 to 50997.3. Where a federally recognized tribe adopts an ordinance applying the chapter, short-term rental facilitators must, on request, report each listing’s address and nine-digit ZIP code, with parcel numbers and URLs when needed to identify the rental. Tribes may fine non-reporting under tribal law. Signed September 25, 2026, it takes effect January 1, 2027.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California
N.D. CAL.Litigation

Trump administration settles union suit over shutdown mass-layoff authority

The Trump administration agreed on September 25, 2026 to rescind guidance authorizing federal agencies to initiate reductions in force during appropriations lapses, settling American Federation of Government Employees v. Office of Management and Budget in the Northern District of California, Bloomberg Law, Reuters and Government Executive reported. Agencies must strip blanket RIF authorization from shutdown contingency plans and give plaintiff unions 30 days’ notice before restoring such language. The suit challenged mass layoff notices issued during the 2025 government shutdown.

Filing (Bloomberg Law) → · Reuters, Government Executive
FLA. 20TH CIR. CT.Litigation

Florida Attorney General sues Evolve Construction over alleged post-hurricane roofing fraud

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued Evolve Construction LLC, Evolve Construction & Restoration Inc. and six of their principals on September 25, 2026 in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court in Lee County. The complaint alleges the defendants ran an unlicensed roofing operation that solicited homeowners after Hurricane Ian, took insurance proceeds, abandoned repairs and recorded unlawful liens. The Attorney General’s office said at least 80 consumers reported paying more than $1 million for work they did not receive.

Filing (Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida) → · Office of the Attorney General of Florida, Florida Phoenix, FOX 13 Tampa Bay
CAL.Regulation

California tightens ICWA-style protections in guardianship and conservatorship cases

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1824 on September 25 as part of a Native American legislative package, aligning California guardianship and conservatorship proceedings involving Indian children with Indian Child Welfare Act standards. Courts and petitioners must inquire whether a child is or may be an Indian child, parties seeking placement must show 'active efforts' to prevent family breakup, and placements must follow ICWA placement preferences.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor of California
CAL.Regulation

California exempts tribal contracts from competitive-bidding rules

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2187 on September 25, amending Public Contract Code section 10340 so state agencies may contract with federally recognized California Native American tribes without securing three competitive bids. A tribe fulfilling such an interagency agreement may subcontract with its wholly owned subdivisions or business enterprises if it provides a limited waiver of sovereign immunity and cost justification showing market equivalence.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor of California

Rulings this week

All court orders

6TH CIR.Court order

Sixth Circuit rules states can regulate Kalshi sports event contracts, finding CEA does not preempt state gambling laws

A unanimous Sixth Circuit panel ruled that state regulators in Ohio and Tennessee can enforce gambling laws against Kalshi's sports prediction markets. Judge Gibbons wrote that Kalshi failed to prove event contracts are statutory swaps under CFTC exclusive jurisdiction, and alternatively held the Commodity Exchange Act does not preempt state gaming statutes. The court affirmed denial of an Ohio injunction and vacated Tennessee injunctive relief.

Order (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit) → · Courthouse News Service, CoinDesk, Unchained
D. OR.Court order

Oregon federal judge vacates CFPB defunding decisions, declaring Vought funding cutoff unlawful

U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken granted partial summary judgment on Friday to twenty-two state attorneys general challenging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's refusal to request operating funds from the Federal Reserve. The court held that former Acting Director Russell Vought's decision to defund the agency violated the Dodd-Frank Act and the separation of powers. Judge Aiken vacated the defunding decisions and declared the Federal Reserve must transfer the funds the director deems necessary, declining injunctive relief for fiscal 2026.

Opinion (U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon) → · Courthouse News Service, State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General, Law360
U.S.Court order

Supreme Court stays Eighth Circuit order requiring Missouri to use 2025 congressional redistricting map

The Supreme Court of the United States granted an emergency application for a stay in People Not Politicians v. Onder, blocking lower federal court orders that required Missouri to use a 2025 congressional redistricting map in the 2026 elections. The per curiam order held under the Purcell principle that federal courts cannot alter election rules while voting is actively underway, and reaffirmed that the state must conduct elections under its 2022 map.

Order (Supreme Court of the United States) → · SCOTUSblog, NPR, Democracy Docket
MONTGOMERY CNTY. CIR. CT.Litigation

Alabama settles youth safety suit against TikTok for at least $100 million and platform limits

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall finalized an agreement with TikTok Inc. on Friday to resolve state court consumer protection litigation days before scheduled trial. TikTok agreed to pay Alabama an initial $100 million within 45 days, with total payments reaching up to $300 million depending on other state resolutions. The settlement imposes operational restrictions across Alabama, including a two-hour daily use limit for teens, parental controls, and a ban on teen cosmetic filters.

Filing (Office of the Alabama Attorney General) → · Reuters, Associated Press
U.S.Court order

Supreme Court stays block on modified SAVE voter citizenship database

The Supreme Court on September 25, 2026 stayed a District of Columbia federal court order that had vacated DHS’s modified Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program used to help states verify voter citizenship. The unsigned majority said challengers likely have standing but are unlikely to succeed on Social Security Act, Privacy Act and APA claims, citing 8 U.S.C. §1373. Justices Jackson, Sotomayor and Kagan dissented.

Order (SCOTUSblog) → · Supreme Court of the United States, BBC News, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
ILL.People moves

Mayer Brown hires Sidley insurance deals partner John Grothaus in Chicago

John Grothaus joined Mayer Brown as a partner in its corporate & securities and global insurance practices in Chicago, Bloomberg Law reported on September 25, 2026. He advises insurers, financial services and private equity clients on M&A, capital raises, reinsurance and insurance financings, with a focus on life insurance and Asia-Pacific outbound reinsurance. He joins from Sidley Austin.

Announcement (Bloomberg Law) → · Mayer Brown
CAL.Regulation

California extends nonprofit security grants to offsite events

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1836 (Chapter 441, Statutes of 2026) on September 25, 2026, amending Government Code section 8588.9 to extend the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program beyond fixed facilities to offsite events hosted by nonprofits at high risk of violent attack or hate crime. Cal OES administers the program, which funds security guards, temporary infrastructure and screening equipment; offsite-event security is capped at $25,000 per grant. The change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor of California
CAL.Regulation

California creates 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2664 on September 25, adding Penal Code section 594.38, which bars anyone within 100 feet of a house of worship's entrance from intentionally approaching within 8 feet of a person entering or exiting to pass leaflets, display signs, protest, or harass. A first violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 or six months in jail; repeat violations carry up to $5,000 or one year.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor of California
D.C. CIR.Court order

D.C. Circuit upholds Pentagon designation of Anthropic as supply-chain risk over autonomous weapons limits

A divided D.C. Circuit panel denied Anthropic PBC's petitions challenging the Department of War's exclusion of Claude from the military supply chain under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act. Judge Katsas, joined by Judge Rao, held the Secretary reasonably found Anthropic's contractual limits on autonomous lethal warfare and domestic surveillance a supply-chain risk, and rejected Anthropic's notice, due process and First Amendment claims. Judge Henderson dissented on the statute's definition of supply chain risk.

Order (U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit) → · Courthouse News Service, CNBC, WIRED +1
UKRegulation

DWP fiduciary-duty chair says forthcoming guidance should help trustees make best decisions, not least challengeable ones

Sir Robin Knowles, chair of the Department for Work and Pensions technical working group on fiduciary duty, told a Society of Pensions Professionals conference that forthcoming guidance should give trustees confidence to make the best long-term decisions rather than those least open to challenge. A public consultation is expected later in 2026. The Society of Pensions Professionals said the guidance now appears likely to be non-statutory, though Knowles said industry-led guidance would still carry weight with regulators and courts.

Text (Pensions Expert) → · Solicitors Journal
U.S. FEDFunding

Epiq acquires breach-response software provider Canopy

Legal technology and services provider Epiq acquired data breach response and privacy software company Canopy on September 25, 2026, Legaltech News and Legal IT Insider reported. Financial terms were not disclosed. Epiq said Canopy’s platform, which identifies and reviews sensitive exposed data, will be integrated into Epiq AI and made available through Epiq Service Cloud, moving breach-response tech from a partnership model in-house.

Announcement (Legaltech News) → · Legal IT Insider
CAL.Regulation

California authorizes nonprofit partnership to operate and fund the California Indian Heritage Center

California enacted AB 1592 (Ramos), authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to contract with a 501(c)(3) California Indian Heritage Center support organization to help operate and program the heritage center. The organization may recruit culturally knowledgeable staff, raise private funding, and receive state funds, while a board of up to 25 - at least 51 percent representing California Native American tribes - oversees it. Governor Newsom signed the bill on September 25, 2026; it takes effect January 1, 2027.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California
CAL.Regulation

California counts tribal colleges as part of public higher education

California enacted AB 1641 (Jackson), amending Education Code section 66010 so that tribal colleges and universities located in California and operated by an Indian tribal government count as part of state public higher education. The bill places tribal colleges alongside the California Community Colleges, California State University, and the University of California in statute. Governor Newsom signed the bill on September 25, 2026; it takes effect January 1, 2027, with the definition continuing under a successor provision in 2030.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California
CAL.Regulation

California requires transfer and dual-enrollment pathways for tribal college students

California enacted AB 1769 (Ramos), adding Education Code section 66728 to build transfer pathways between tribal colleges and universities in the state and public postsecondary institutions. CSU trustees and community college districts offering baccalaureates must develop articulation agreements and concurrent-enrollment programs for students at tribal colleges; UC regents are asked to do the same. Governor Newsom signed the bill on September 25, 2026; it takes effect January 1, 2027.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California
CAL.Regulation

California lets up to three tribes' officers serve as state peace officers under DOJ oversight

California enacted AB 31 (Ramos), creating a Tribal Police Program under the Department of Justice and the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Up to three federally recognized tribes may enroll; officers who complete state peace-officer training are deemed peace officers. Participating tribes must enact tribal laws mirroring state public-records and claims rules, waive sovereign immunity for program suits, and accept Attorney General oversight. Governor Newsom signed the bill on September 25, 2026; it takes effect January 1, 2027.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California
UK · EWHCCourt order

High Court dismisses Sex Matters challenge to CPS deception-as-to-sex guidance

The Divisional Court on September 25, 2026 dismissed Sex Matters’ judicial review of CPS guidance on deception as to sex in sexual-offence charging. Dame Victoria Sharp P and Mrs Justice Heather Williams held deception as to gender identity is not incapable of vitiating consent under section 74 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and that the draft guidance did not misstate the law, while criticising a trans/non-binary experiences passage as surprising in charging guidance.

Order (Find Case Law (National Archives)) → · Judiciary of England and Wales, Solicitors Journal