California is ringing in the new year with hundreds of new laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, many of which will go into effect starting January 1, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most significant legislation coming your way in the Golden State.
Retail Theft Laws
Retail theft has been a hot topic in California this year. A new package of laws includes harsher penalties for retail theft, including sentencing enhancements for selling stolen property valued at $50,000 or more. Attorney General Rob Bonta highlighted the importance of these measures in tackling smash-and-grab robberies. The laws also introduce tougher consequences for car break-ins and auto theft, and create a new crime for possessing stolen property from vehicle thefts.
Gas and Oil Regulations
In response to California’s energy needs, a new law, ABX2-1, gives the Energy Commission authority to enforce minimum inventory levels for refined transportation fuels. Another important measure, AB 3233, allows local governments to restrict oil and gas drilling in sensitive areas, helping preserve California’s environmental integrity.
Forced Outing Protection
A new law, AB1955, prohibits school districts from requiring teachers or staff to disclose a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation to their parents without consent. This law aims to protect students’ privacy rights amidst growing concerns over forced outing policies.
Social Media Regulations
SB 1283 allows school boards to regulate students’ use of social media during school hours. Additionally, new rules mandate that social media platforms implement reporting systems for cyberbullying incidents, with platforms facing civil liability if they fail to adequately address complaints.
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Work Meetings and Political Beliefs
Employers can no longer compel employees to attend meetings where political or religious beliefs are conveyed, a practice often used to express anti-union sentiments. Violating employers could face a $500 civil penalty. This law follows a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board that deemed such meetings illegal.
Job Applications and Licensing
A new law removes the requirement for job applicants to provide a driver’s license unless driving is a specific job function. Employers can no longer mandate a license if alternative transportation options are available for the role.
Cannabis and On-Site Consumption
California’s cannabis laws have evolved to allow dispensaries to offer food, drinks, and live events like comedy shows and music performances. Local governments will have control over whether or not these activities can take place in their communities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency
The AI Transparency Act mandates that AI platforms provide free-to-use tools for detecting AI-generated content. Additionally, platforms must disclose when content is AI-generated. New laws also aim to protect children from explicit AI-generated images, making it illegal to create and distribute such content.
Human Trafficking Penalties
New penalties for those convicted of soliciting children for sex, or engaging in sex trafficking, have been introduced. A first offense will be classified as a wobbler (a charge that could be a felony or misdemeanor), while repeat offenders will face felony charges.
Food Delivery Platform Transparency
Food delivery companies will now be required to disclose fees and delivery details upfront. They must also promptly remove restaurants from their platforms if requested.
Child Influencers and Monetized Content
Under new rules, child influencers must have a portion of their earnings set aside in a trust. This law applies to both independent content creators and those working as part of their parents’ or guardians’ monetized platforms.
Menstrual Products in Prisons
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will be required to provide incarcerated individuals with tampons and sanitary pads, addressing concerns about period poverty in the prison system.
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Child Restraints in Therapeutic Facilities
A new law, supported by Paris Hilton, requires state-licensed youth therapeutic facilities to disclose the use of restraints and seclusion on children.
Chemical Bans
California is cracking down on harmful chemicals, banning 24 ingredients, including formaldehyde and mercury, in products like clothing and cosmetics. These measures aim to protect both public health and the environment.
Freelance Payment Protection
Freelancers now have greater protections with a law requiring employers to pay them by the specified date in their contract or within 30 days of job completion if no date is given. Failure to comply could result in civil action.
Housing and Rent Laws
California renters will now have 10 days to respond to eviction notices, up from the previous 5 days. New laws also streamline the construction of tiny homes and create exemptions for certain housing projects to bypass zoning laws.
Reparations Laws
California’s reparations bill package introduces several new laws influenced by the Reparations Task Force. Some of the changes include protecting against discrimination based on hairstyles in youth sports and ensuring more transparency when grocery stores or pharmacies plan to close.
As 2025 begins, these new laws will shape various aspects of life in California. From retail theft reform to housing and AI transparency, the state’s legislative landscape is set for significant transformation.
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