LOS ANGELES, CA – A series of new laws signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom will take effect starting January 1, 2025, addressing a wide range of issues, including artificial intelligence protections, affordable housing, criminal justice reforms, employment rights, and health care access. These laws aim to tackle pressing challenges while adapting to technological advancements and economic changes.
Here is a detailed look at the new legislation set to impact California residents in the coming year:
AI in Hollywood
California is implementing new safeguards to address concerns surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.
Assembly Bill 2602 (AB 2602) makes it illegal to use AI technology to create digital replicas of an actor’s likeness or voice without their consent. This law is aimed at protecting actors from having their identities exploited without authorization.
Additionally, Assembly Bill 1836 (AB 1836) prohibits the use of AI-generated voices or images of deceased actors without the permission of their estate. This measure is designed to preserve legacies and prevent posthumous exploitation of performers.
Auto/Cars
California’s new traffic laws target road safety and employment fairness related to driver requirements.
Under Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), it will be illegal to park a vehicle within 20 feet of marked or unmarked crosswalks or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. The law is intended to enhance pedestrian visibility and reduce accidents in high-traffic areas.
Senate Bill 1100 (SB 1100) prohibits job postings from requiring applicants to possess a valid driver’s license, except when driving is a necessary part of the job duties. This change seeks to improve employment opportunities for individuals without licenses.
Senate Bill 905 (SB 905) eliminates the “locked door loophole” that previously required prosecutors to prove vehicle doors were locked during auto burglaries. The updated law simplifies prosecution efforts, providing greater flexibility to address auto theft cases effectively.
Cannabis
California is expanding regulations in the cannabis industry to promote growth and accessibility for business owners and consumers.
Assembly Bill 1775 (AB 1775) allows cannabis retailers and consumption lounges to sell non-cannabis food and drinks, including freshly prepared meals, pending local government approval and licensing. This law builds upon existing regulations, which previously permitted the sale of only prepackaged food items, offering businesses new opportunities to attract customers and expand services.
Consumer Protections
California has introduced new consumer protection measures to promote transparency and fairness in subscriptions and delivery services.
Assembly Bill 2863 (AB 2863) mandates that companies offering auto-renewal services provide customers the ability to cancel subscriptions through the same method they used to sign up, starting July 1, 2025.
Assembly Bill 375 (AB 375) requires food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats to display the first name and photo of delivery drivers, effective March 1, 2025, enhancing consumer safety and accountability.
Crimes
A series of crime-focused laws will help prosecutors and retailers combat theft, property damage, and organized crime.
Assembly Bill 3209 (AB 3209) allows retailers to file for restraining orders against individuals convicted of theft, vandalism, or assaulting employees within their stores.
Assembly Bill 1779 (AB 1779) enables district attorneys to consolidate charges for organized retail theft cases that occur across multiple counties, simplifying prosecution efforts.
Assembly Bill 1960 (AB 1960) enforces sentencing enhancements for crimes that involve taking, damaging, or destroying property valued at over $50,000.
Senate Bill 1242 (SB 1242) establishes enhanced penalties for setting fires inside retail stores during organized theft, treating the act as an aggravating factor that increases sentences for offenders.
Senate Bill 1414 (SB 1414) raises the penalty for soliciting minors under 16 years old for sexual purposes from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Education
Changes to education policies include curriculum updates and protections for transgender students and book accessibility.
Assembly Bill 1955 (AB 1955) prohibits school districts from requiring teachers to notify parents if a student identifies as transgender or requests a name change.
Assembly Bill 1821 (AB 1821) requires public schools to teach the impact of the Mission Period and Gold Rush on California Native Americans, ensuring historical accuracy in classrooms.
Assembly Bill 1780 (AB 1780) bans legacy admissions at publicly funded colleges, emphasizing merit-based admissions over family connections.
Assembly Bill 1825 (AB 1825)—known as the Freedom To Read Act—prohibits libraries from banning books based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or political views.
Employment
Several laws focus on worker protections and expanded benefits.
Senate Bill 988 (SB 988) ensures independent contractors must be paid promptly, no later than 30 days after service completion, unless a specific date is included in the contract.
Senate Bill 1105 (SB 1105) allows agricultural workers to use paid sick leave during extreme heat or unsafe conditions caused by **smoke
or hazardous weather.
Assembly Bill 2123 (AB 2123) grants employees the ability to use paid family leave without first exhausting their vacation hours.
Assembly Bill 2499 (AB 2499) expands the definition of paid sick leave to include time off to assist family members who are victims of violence or face threats of violence, enabling workers to help loved ones obtain restraining orders or access domestic violence support services.
Firearms
California has tightened firearm regulations to increase safety and address ownership responsibilities.
Assembly Bill 2917 (AB 2917) allows courts to issue restraining orders preventing individuals from purchasing or possessing firearms based on threats directed toward groups or locations.
Assembly Bill 574 (AB 574) mandates that firearm sales records include an acknowledgment by buyers confirming they have verified possession of every firearm they own within the last 30 days.
Assembly Bill 1483 (AB 1483) eliminates an exemption that previously allowed private parties to purchase more than one firearm in a 30-day period.
Assembly Bill 1598 (AB 1598) requires firearm dealers to distribute safety pamphlets that outline the risks associated with bringing firearms into a home, including heightened risks of suicide, homicide, or accidental injury.
Homeownership and Housing
New housing laws aim to increase affordable housing options and protect renters.
Senate Bill 450 (SB 450) reduces zoning requirements, making it easier for homeowners to convert their properties into up to four units without facing significant permit hurdles.
Senate Bill 1395 (SB 1395)—known as the Interim Housing Act—simplifies processes for cities to construct tiny homes as temporary housing for homeless residents.
Assembly Bill 2347 (AB 2347) gives tenants more time to respond to eviction notices, increasing the deadline from 5 business days to 10 business days.
Health
California’s health care laws focus on accessibility, reproductive services, and patient protections.
Senate Bill 729 (SB 729) mandates insurance coverage for in-vitro fertilization (IVF), expanding access for LGBTQ+ families.
Assembly Bill 2515 (AB 2515) bans the sale of tampons and other menstrual products containing potentially toxic chemicals.
Assembly Bill 1902 (AB 1902) requires pharmacies to provide accessible prescription labels for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or are print-disabled.
Assembly Bill 2475 (AB 2475) extends the time mental health facilities can detain individuals for treatment, increasing the period from five days to 30 days after a judge determines that release is unsafe.
Money and Employment Wages
While California voters rejected Proposition 32, which proposed a minimum wage increase to $18 an hour, the state minimum wage will still rise to $16.50 an hour in 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation.
Assembly Bill 2017 (AB 2017) prohibits state-chartered banks from imposing penalties on customers attempting to withdraw funds from accounts with insufficient balances.
New laws also address child influencers and online earnings. Senate Bill 764 (SB 764) requires parents profiting from social media content featuring their children to set aside a portion of the earnings in trust accounts.
Similarly, Assembly Bill 1880 (AB 1880) expands the Coogan Law to include minors working as content creators on platforms like YouTube, requiring parents to document work hours and earnings and establish trust funds for their children.
Miscellaneous
California has also added new state symbols, highlighting the state’s ecological diversity.
The banana slug has been designated as the official state slug, the Dungeness crab as the state crustacean, and the Black abalone as the state seashell, reflecting California’s marine heritage and environmental values.
These laws, reflecting California’s priorities for housing, employment, consumer rights, and criminal justice, take effect on January 1, 2025. Residents are encouraged to consult their local government offices or visit the California Legislative Information website for further details about these policies and their potential impact.
