Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed a bill into law that he claims will prevent school boards from banning books and requires them to provide access to materials "that teach about California’s diverse communities."

The bill comes months after the Temecula Valley Unified School District board initially rejected social studies curriculum mentioning gay rights advocate Harvey Milk. The board reversed course after threats of fines from Sacramento. Newsom took a jab at the school district in a statement upon signing the bill, which will also allow for fines against noncompliant school boards.

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“From Temecula to Tallahassee, fringe ideologues across the country are attempting to whitewash history and ban books from schools. With this new law, we’re cementing California’s role as the true freedom state: a place where families — not political fanatics — have the freedom to decide what’s right for them,” Newsom said in a statement.

The California governor also called out Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, for its policies regarding classroom instruction, including restricting instruction of sexual orientation or gender ideology through eighth grade. He has been a frequent critic of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), specifically his education policies.

Newsom made a visit to the Sunshine State in April and met with students from the New College of Florida, which DeSantis is spearheading reforms to.

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The governors of Florida and California are set to debate each other on Nov. 30 in Georgia, with Fox News host Sean Hannity moderating.

Newsom's jabs at the Sunshine State and moves on key issues like education lend fuel to rumors the Golden State executive may seek a presidential run, but Newsom has repeatedly said that he is not running in 2024 and is supporting President Joe Biden's reelection effort.