In a legislative session marked by a surge in activity, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has more than 800 bills on his docket to either sign into law or veto by next week. The sheer amount of potential new legislation is further evidence of the Golden State government’s penchant for a heavy touch when it comes to governance, according to critics.

As California remains the most regulated state in the country, state lawmakers introduced over 4,400 bills for 2023-2024, eclipsing the 4,100 proposed in the 2020-2021 term, longtime Capitol lobbyist Chris Micheli noted.

California public policy expert Lance Christensen warned that many of the bills introduced serve as “vanity projects” for legislators. And with the governor signing the majority, the state’s lawbook is expanding into a labyrinth of complexity that poses significant challenges for citizens and small businesses, driving up compliance costs.

NEWSOM VETOES BIPARTISAN ACCOUNTABILITY LEGISLATION AIMED AT STATE SPENDING ON HOMELESSNESS CRISIS

“Who has the capacity to read literally millions of pages worth of state law, let alone the millions of pages of regulations … and the answer is zero,” Christensen told Fox News Digital. “Nobody ever reads all this stuff. Very few people really understand how complex it is, and because of that, most people are breaking the law every single day, and they have no idea.

“How can you manage that process without somebody else interpreting that for you? So, that increases the cost of knowledge, but it also increases the cost of compliance.”

Already, Newsom has signed a package of public safety bills aimed at reducing organized retail theft. He’s also vetoed a number of progressive bills, including several that would have expanded aid to illegal immigrants through housing loans and permitted employment through the University of California (UC) system and a reparations package for Black residents.

Promising to tackle the mental health crisis among young people, the blue state governor also signed a historic bill restricting cellphones in schools.

NEWSOM VETOES BILL THAT WOULD LET NONCITIZEN STUDENTS WORK AT STATE’S PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

The California Capitol on National Urban League California Legislative Advocacy Day March 13, 2024, in Sacramento. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for National Urban League)

Newsom often vetoes bills if they appear redundant or the cost would further burden the state’s budget shortfall, according to a CalMatters analysis. Last year, Newsom vetoed 156 bills and signed 890, reflecting a veto rate of about 15%, similar to the previous year. His veto rate in 2021 was under 8%.

From start to finish, the creation of a bill in California costs roughly $30,000, which does not include more complex legislation that takes longer to draft.

Because of this, Christensen said, “money (is) being sucked out of the economy for people just simply to understand — not even comply with — but just simply understand what the legislation is.”

NEWSOM’S DEEPFAKE ELECTION LAWS ARE ALREADY BEING CHALLENGED IN FEDERAL COURT

California Gov. Gavin Newsom makes an announcement May 14, 2024, in San Mateo, Calif. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)

Newsom has signed dozens of packages meant to fast-track certain initiatives, like expanding housing development and environmental policies. 

“The governor has repeatedly taken action to streamline government,” Brandon Richards, deputy director of Newsom’s rapid response team, told Fox News Digital. “He is intentional with every measure he signs into law — focusing on solving problems and supporting Californians — while recognizing that not every problem warrants a new law.”

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After the Denver Broncos beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the mood in Broncos Country shifted. Losing the first two games hurt, but that win was the Robitussin the fans needed.

But just like the Tussin, the effects of the win in Tampa will wear off. Ian and I discussed this on Broncos Odds and Endzones. I’m not trying to rain on the positivity parade that has washed over MHR and the rest of the Broncos internet.

And I am certainly not trying to be like a certain Denver media member who can never find joy in anything thr Broncos do (points to the person who can figure it out in the comments). But I want to stay in reality.

The reality is that the Broncos will be travelling, once again, to the East Coast to play an early game. This time, into a more hostile stadium and with a future Hall of Fame QB running the show.

So, I want to just pump the brakes a touch. I believe in Sean Payton’s vision. I BO-lieve in Bo Nix. We gave Vance Joseph his flowers on the show, as he has dialed up a great defense. Pat Surtain II seems to have running mates in Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian. The drops by the WRs and TEs dropped off in Tampa.

But I need a prove it game. That is what the New York Jets offer. They are good. They have a solid defense, and their offense is going to test the Alex Singleton-less Broncos.

I’m aware that this comes across as negative, but that’s not how I see it. The future is bright. The Denver Broncos should be able to build on what they are accomplishing. All the tooth grinding that went on about Nix after the first two weeks has all but disappeared.

But if I know Broncos Country, it will be back if we see regression, which we will. It could be this week. That should be expected. The surprise will be if it doesn’t.

The carrousel trope can be put away. We are on a completely different carnival ride now. If it is a rollercoaster, let it be the kiddy one with the smiling purple dragon head. That’s how we know Nix can be the guy in Denver for a long time.

And while the high of winning against the Bucs is carrying us right now, let’s remember not to get to down when the inevitable dip occurs.

A tough game against the Jets won’t mean that Bo Nix ain’t it. It won’t mean Sean Payton is washed. It will mean the process is ongoing. Enjoy that. BO-lieve in that.