California Policy – Advancing Precedent-Setting Policies

V4P launched its California-focused work in 2015 because of the state’s history of being a model for precedent-setting legislation for the rest of the country. Since that time, CA V4P members have helped secure major California policy wins including passage Buy Clean in 2017, the first-of-its-kind supply chain legislation addressing climate emissions generated by the manufacturing of industrial materials, the strongest campaign finance disclosure law in the country, major reforms to the criminal justice system, including its interactions with the immigration sector, and improved working conditions for more than 100,000 fast-food workers. 

In 2025, V4P’s work in California became more critical than ever under Trump’s second term and a conservative federal trifecta. By leading state-level opposition, California provided a safe haven for communities under attack and a model for other states to follow. As the Trump administration and Congress escalated mass deportations—targeting Los Angeles in particular—defunded Planned Parenthood, and stripped protections for trans and nonbinary people, V4P’s California efforts were essential to expanding access to care, safety, and support. This work offered refuge and rights to immigrants, trans communities, and those seeking abortions amid a time of national uncertainty.