Sacramento’s political theater is serving up another season of legislative drama, where bills killed in previous years somehow manage to claw their way back from the legislative graveyard. 🧟‍♀️🏛️

In a wild twist that would make any political junkie’s head spin, lawmakers are proving that in California politics, death is just a temporary setback. From autonomous trucking to healthcare regulations, these zombie bills are shambling back into the spotlight, driven by unions, special interest groups, and sheer legislative determination.

The Undead Trucking Bill

Take the driverless truck legislation, for instance. Despite Governor Gavin Newsom vetoing similar bills twice before, the Teamsters union is betting the third time’s the charm. Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry is pushing a slightly modified version, hoping to finally get the governor’s signature.

Healthcare’s Legislative Resurrection

It’s not just trucking getting the zombie treatment. The California Medical Association is resurrecting a bill aimed at regulating private equity’s influence in healthcare. Their argument? These investment firms are undermining patient care faster than you can say “corporate takeover”.

Passion Projects and Persistent Politicians

Some legislators aren’t just playing political chess for lobbyists. Republican James Gallagher’s bill about pandemic visitation rights comes from a deeply personal place - his inability to visit his dying aunt during COVID-19. These aren’t just bills; they’re stories of human experience fighting through bureaucratic barriers.

While most vetoed bills never see the light of day again, these legislative zombies prove that in California’s political ecosystem, ideas don’t truly die - they just hibernate, waiting for their moment to rise again.