On one hand this can be seen as Cali being on the cutting edge of things but on the other, it could be statist Cali doing what they do best: legislating.

Yes. But Cali's law is funny that way. Long before Bitcoin was invented, they passed a law barring many types of payments. The definition they used in this law just happened to include Bitcoin. This new law exempts Bitcoin from this class of illegal payment mechanisms.

Seeing how the US government auctioned off a shit ton of bitcoins, I don't see how California or other soon-to-follow states wouldn't call it legal, otherwise they'll just contradict each other. Written law that legalize bitcoin is actually a pretty big step forward for crypto currency's legitimacy.

I am unaware of any other states that have such insane laws that required the exemption.

California love!
California is the best state of USA!
You make everything which is good and iligal LEGAL
I have o say it again everything which is good!
Hope when BTC goes high enough I can visit you and spend little on bars, hotels and souvenirs in your state!
Wish you all LUCK!
br

however or why ever, it is good news

Finally something good for Bitcoin.

Everything, even bad news are good for Bitcoin and it's holders, in fact bad news increases more Bitcoin's popularity...

California enacted the currency law in response to the use of the Mexican peso in commerce within the state.

No one paid much attention to it anyway.

Just grandstanding.

It wasn't ever illegal in NV. The Golden Gate and the D have been accepting Bitcoin for food & lodging for quite some time now.