Lawmakers across the state returned to work Wednesday, weighing in on some of the chief issues confronting California, including artificial intelligence, maternity wards and the state's struggling budget.

After nearly four months at home, legislators look ahead at a seven-month session interposed by a national election and a debt discussion likely to start next week, when Gov. Gavin Newsom鈥檚 office is expected to release its first draft of the 2024-25 state budget.