The California Chamber of Commerce reported progress on its 2025 Affordability Agenda, which evaluates the economic effects of proposed legislation in California. The organization stated that lawmakers supported bills aimed at reducing costs while rejecting most measures expected to increase expenses for businesses and consumers.
CalChamber’s advocacy team reviewed over 2,800 bills introduced during the legislative session, identifying more than three dozen with significant cost implications. Throughout the year, this list was updated as bills changed or new proposals were introduced.
Most of these proposals were categorized as Cost Drivers, which CalChamber believes would raise expenses in the state. According to the chamber, nearly all such bills failed to advance this year.
“Our elected officials were right to reject proposals that, even when well intentioned, would have saddled Californians with unwarranted and unsustainable costs,” said CalChamber President & CEO Jennifer Barrera. “Legislators would do well to embrace the oath often cited as essential to physicians: ‘First, do no harm.’”
In contrast, several measures from CalChamber’s Cost Cutter list received legislative approval. These are intended to support business growth and benefit workers and consumers. Some Cost Cutter initiatives—especially those focused on accelerating housing construction—were incorporated into the state budget agreement.
“We applaud lawmakers for embracing proposals that can address affordability, the single most important challenge facing California,” Barrera said. “We look forward to working with the Legislature in 2026 to find more ways of easing the burdens on businesses and the communities they serve.”
A comprehensive list of related bills and their status is available on CalChamber’s advocacy website.
