Several new laws will go into effect in California in 2025, impacting millions of residents.
Nearly 5,000 bills were introduced in the state’s last two legislative years, and nearly half of them failed without a vote.
Approximately 1,200 bills were passed in 2024, but Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed 200 of them. The regulations taking effect this year, summarized below by Newsweek, include everything from protecting Hollywood actors from artificial intelligence to parking regulations.
Jeff Chiu/Associated Press
“California’s new law tackles head-on the biggest emerging challenges of our time. Through our partnership with the Legislature, we will strengthen public safety, build more housing, and build more communities. These practical reforms will create more opportunities while protecting what matters most: “all Californians.” Newsom said on December 29. stated in a press release.
AI in Hollywood
AB 2602 makes it illegal to use artificial intelligence to reproduce an actor’s voice or likeness without the actor’s consent.
AB 1836 prohibits the use of a deceased actor’s voice or likeness without the consent of the estate’s heirs.
This follows a 2023 strike by SAG-AFTRA officials over issues such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
cannabis
AB 1775 would allow cities and counties to permit existing cannabis retailers and consumption lounges to sell freshly prepared non-cannabis foods and beverages, subject to local government approval and licensing in accordance with the California Retail Food Act. Permits sale.
Currently, cannabis retailers with consumption areas can sell prepackaged food and beverages with local government permission.
housing
SB 450 removes certain zoning restrictions and simplifies the process for homeowners to divide their property into up to four separate units.
SB 1395, known as the Transitional Housing Act, would streamline the construction of tiny homes by cities to provide shelter for homeless residents.
AB 2347 extends the response time for tenants facing eviction from five business days to 10 business days. Katherine Rodman, attorney and director of Affordable Housing Advocates, told NBC 7. I think having the judge consider both sides of the case, not just the landlord’s side, would make a huge difference. ”
According to February 2024 statistics from the Public Policy Institute of California, California has the highest proportion of households that are renters at about 44%, which is higher than the national average of 35%.
car
AB 413, commonly referred to as the “daylighting law,” would change the way people park their cars. Starting January 1, California residents will no longer be able to park their vehicles within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb extension. . There is a 60-day grace period before appearing in court for violating the new law.
SB 1100 would make it illegal for job postings to require applicants to have a valid driver’s license.
SB 905 eliminates the “locked door loophole,” which required prosecutors to prove that the car door was locked when the robbery occurred. This gives prosecutors more flexibility in dealing with auto burglaries and thefts.
consumer
Starting July 1, AB 2863 would require companies that offer automatic renewal services to allow customers to cancel their subscriptions using the same method they used to subscribe.
Starting March 1, 2025, AB 375 will require food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats to provide customers with the name and photo of their delivery driver.
crime
AB 3209 allows retail stores to obtain restraining orders against individuals convicted of theft, vandalism, or assault against employees of their stores.
AB 1779 allows California district attorneys to collaborate to consolidate prosecutions of suspects involved in retail theft crimes that span multiple counties.
AB 1960 provides enhanced sentencing for damaging or destroying property valued at $50,000 or more during the commission of a felony.
SB 1242 designates arson on the premises of a store as an aggravating factor during organized retail theft, which would result in longer sentences for those convicted.
SB 1414 increases the classification of soliciting or paying money to a minor under the age of 16 from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Education/Civil Rights
AB 1955 prohibits school districts from implementing policies that require educators to notify parents if a student identifies as transgender or wishes to use a different name. Masu.
AB 1821 requires California public schools to teach about the impact of the mission period and the Gold Rush on California Native Americans.
AB 1780 prohibits traditional admissions in colleges and universities that receive state aid.
SB 639 requires health care professionals who care for people age 65 and older to complete continuing education in geriatrics and dementia care.
AB 1825, known as the Freedom to Read Act, allows public libraries to provide services based on the race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status, or political affiliation of a book’s subject, author, or intended audience. It is prohibited to ban books based on.
AB 2867 will help California residents recover artwork and other personal property stolen during the Holocaust or as a result of other acts of political persecution.
AB 1815 expands civil rights by recognizing various forms of discrimination and protecting characteristics associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles.
employment
SB 988 increases protections for independent contractors by requiring payment by the date specified in the contract or, if no date is specified, within 30 days of completion of services.
SB 1105 allows agricultural workers to use paid sick leave to protect themselves from the negative effects of working in hazardous environments such as smoke and extreme heat.
AB 2499 allows employees to take paid state leave for matters related to being a victim without first using the leave. Employers must also provide accommodations to ensure the safety of employees and allow them time off to attend court.
firearm
AB 2917 allows courts to consider threats against a group or location when determining whether to issue a restraining order prohibiting an individual from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition.
AB 574 requires firearm sales or transfer records to include confirmation that the purchaser or transferee has confirmed ownership of all firearms owned or possessed within the past 30 days.
AB 1483 removes the personal transaction exemption in the prohibition on purchasing multiple firearms within 30 days.
AB 1598 requires licensed firearms dealers to provide safety pamphlets to firearm purchasers, transferees, and firearm lessees. The pamphlet will include information about the risks of having firearms in the home, including an increased chance of death from suicide, homicide and unintentional injury.
health
SB 729 would require insurance coverage for fertility services, including in vitro fertilization, and expand access to include LGBTQ+ families.
AB 2515 prohibits the sale of tampons and other menstrual products that contain potentially harmful chemicals.
AB 1902 requires pharmacies to provide accessible prescription labels for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or have printing disabilities.
AB 2475 would allow states to extend the amount of time a person can be held in a hospital for mental health treatment from five days to 30 days after a judge determines they should be released.
SB 1061 includes prohibiting medical debt from appearing on people’s credit reports.
money
Thanks to a new law, California’s minimum wage is set to rise from $16 an hour to $16.50 an hour in 2025.
AB 2017 prohibits state-chartered banks from charging fees when customers attempt to withdraw funds if their account balance is insufficient.
SB 764 would require parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children to set aside a portion of that income for their children, and AB 1880 would expand the Coogan Act to make YouTube It also targets minors who work as content creators on platforms such as. These new laws require parents and guardians to create a trust for their child’s income, maintain records of their child’s screen time and income, and ensure transparency regarding monetized content. .
