GOP Bill Aims to Block California Billionaire Tax

Congressman introduces legislation to prevent states from retroactively taxing ex-residents

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Republican congressman has introduced the 'Keep Jobs in California Act of 2026' to prevent California from retroactively taxing individuals who no longer reside in the state. This comes as progressives in California push for a 'billionaires tax' on the state's wealthiest residents to offset federal healthcare funding cuts. The proposed tax has faced resistance from both Republicans and some Democrats who are concerned it could incentivize wealthy individuals to leave California.

Why it matters

The debate over the billionaire tax highlights the growing tension between progressive policies aimed at wealth redistribution and concerns about maintaining a favorable business climate in California. The outcome of the November ballot measure and the fate of the federal legislation could have significant implications for California's economy and its role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The details

Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) plans to introduce the 'Keep Jobs in California Act of 2026' on Friday, a bill designed to prevent states from retroactively taxing individuals who no longer reside within their borders. This is a direct response to concerns that California's proposed tax could incentivize wealthy individuals to leave the state and then be pursued for taxes on assets held before their departure. Reports indicate that prominent billionaires, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, are considering relocating in anticipation of the tax's potential enactment.

  • Representative Kiley plans to introduce the 'Keep Jobs in California Act of 2026' on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Senator Bernie Sanders held a rally in Los Angeles on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 to galvanize support for the California billionaire tax.

The players

Representative Kevin Kiley

A Republican congressman from California's 5th Congressional District who plans to introduce the 'Keep Jobs in California Act of 2026' to prevent states from retroactively taxing individuals who no longer reside within their borders.

Senator Bernie Sanders

An independent senator from Vermont who has championed the proposed 'billionaires tax' in California and held a rally in Los Angeles on February 18, 2026 to galvanize support for the measure.

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta (Facebook) who is reportedly considering relocating out of California in anticipation of the proposed billionaire tax.

Larry Page

A co-founder of Google who is reportedly considering relocating out of California in anticipation of the proposed billionaire tax.

Sergey Brin

A co-founder of Google who has donated $20 million to a California political drive aimed at defeating the proposed billionaire tax.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“California's proposed wealth tax is an unprecedented attempt to chase down people who have already left as a result of the state's poor policies. Many of our state's leading job creators are leaving preemptively.”

— Representative Kevin Kiley (newsdirectory3.com)

“It should be common sense that the billionaires pay just slightly more so that entire communities can preserve access to life-saving medical care.”

— Senator Bernie Sanders (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.