New laws taking effect in 2027
637 changes from California, Federal. Pick a state or topic to narrow the list.
January 2027 584
911 centers must give medical callers instructions before help arrives
Public safety agencies that answer 911 medical calls must give callers prearrival medical instructions, including choking help for infants, children and adults, and how to give naloxone for an overdose. The local emergency medical services medical director must approve the instructions.
A Santa Clara hospital campus project gets faster environmental review and court challenges
A hospital campus project in the City of Santa Clara that the city certifies and that meets labor rules gets faster environmental review steps, and lawsuits over it must be resolved within 270 days where feasible.
A certificate earned toward an associate degree no longer blocks College Promise waivers
Community college students who earned a certificate as part of a course sequence leading to an associate degree stay eligible for the California College Promise fee waiver. Other earlier degrees or certificates still make a student ineligible.
A conviction for altering a gun's serial number brings a 10-year gun ban
People convicted of altering, removing or obliterating a firearm's maker name, model or serial number, or of handling such a gun, may not own, buy or possess any firearm for 10 years after the conviction.
A properly worn seat belt now means passing the 5-Step test, for children and adults
A seat belt counts as properly worn only if the rider passes the 5-Step test: seated fully back, knees bent at the seat edge, shoulder belt across the chest, lap belt low on the thighs, for the whole trip. It covers drivers and all passengers.
A third DUI within 10 years can now be charged as a felony
A DUI after two prior DUI convictions in 10 years, once a misdemeanor, can now be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony with 16 months, 2 or 3 years in county jail. With four or more priors, a DUI is now always a felony.
ADU impact fees can only be charged on space above 750 square feet
For up to two accessory dwelling units on a lot, impact fees on a unit larger than 750 square feet may be charged only on the floor area above 750 square feet, not the whole unit. Lots with more than two such units keep the old rule.
AI tools that guide diagnosis or treatment must be checked for bias
Developers of AI systems that help with diagnosis or treatment decisions must make reasonable efforts to find and reduce risks of biased results, and disclose intended uses and risks. Hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices using them must monitor for bias.
Abusers under restraining orders lose the right to decide a victim's burial
Under Marissa's Law, control of a person's remains passes to the next of kin if the funeral home or cemetery knows the person in line was under a domestic violence restraining order protecting the deceased, or a court ruling shows it was against their interests.
Adult care homes get 12 business days instead of 10 to report a new email
Licensees and applicants for adult community care and residential care facilities now have 12 business days, up from 10, to tell the Department of Social Services when their email address of record changes.
Adults crossing the border on foot or by car may bring 6 liters of alcohol every 31 days
Adults entering the country on foot or in a private vehicle may bring up to 6 liters of alcohol into California for personal use every 31 days. Before, the cap was the federal duty-free amount and applied to pedestrians and to California residents driving back.
Agents can file Joshua tree dead-limb permits, and signed attestations are dropped
A property owner's agent may now request a state permit to remove dead western Joshua trees or limbs or trim live ones, and the signed attestation is no longer required. Tribal agreements may also cover buying and selling the trees for cultural purposes.
Aging and disability centers must teach disaster preparedness to seniors
Local Aging and Disability Resource Connection programs must offer community classes that prepare older adults and people with disabilities for disasters, covering alert systems, evacuation help and utility services in emergencies. As with the rest of the program, this depends on state budget funding.
Air board must post landfill methane monitoring data online
The State Air Resources Board must post on its website the temperature and monitoring data it receives about methane emissions from landfills, making it public for people who live near them.
Alcohol event ads at stores and bars may now use videos and large pictures
Ads for alcohol supplier instructional events and wine lectures at retailers may now include videos of up to 60 seconds and prominent pictures, ending the rule that images stay inconspicuous. The list of allowed ad types for tasting events is removed.
Alcohol makers may offer tastes as part of market research studies
Licensed wineries, breweries, distillers and rectifiers may give people tastes of their drinks in a real market research study of taste, smell and similar traits. Participants get only as many samples as needed to form an opinion, and retail or wholesale staff can't take part.
Alcohol suppliers can restock store shelves with wine and spirits in bottles up to 500 ml
Beer, wine and spirits suppliers can pull their own ready-to-drink wine and spirits in containers of 500 milliliters or less from a store's back room to restock shelves. Before, only single-serve sizes counted: 50 to 355 milliliters for spirits and 187 to 355 for wine.
Alcohol suppliers must charge retailers late fees after 30 days, not 42
Suppliers unpaid 30 days after delivering beer, wine or spirits to a retailer must charge 1% of the balance on day 32, then 1% every 30 days, replacing the old 42-day trigger. Beer may be brewed from grains other than barley.
Any Angel Stadium sale deal under a land law exemption must call the team the Anaheim Angels
If Anaheim gets a Surplus Land Act exemption to sell or lease Angel Stadium to the Los Angeles Angels, the lease, deed and marketing must call the team the Anaheim Angels, unless, lawmakers say, the city and team reach their own deal.
Appliance efficiency rules now cover rentals, leases and imports, not only sales
California's appliance energy and water efficiency standards, which applied to new appliances sold or offered for sale in the state, now also cover appliances rented, leased, imported or distributed for use in California, wherever the seller is located.
Approaching worshippers within 8 feet to protest near a house of worship is a crime
Within 100 feet of a house of worship's entrances or exits, no one may come within 8 feet of anyone going in or out, without consent, to leaflet, protest, show signs or harass. First offenses carry up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
Approved subdivision maps last 48 months instead of 24 before they expire
An approved tentative subdivision map now expires after 48 months instead of 24, and local ordinances may extend it by up to 36 months instead of 24. The longer timelines also cover maps still in effect when the law starts.
Arbitration deals that federal law won't enforce are unenforceable under California law too
A written arbitration agreement is not enforceable under California's arbitration law when the Federal Arbitration Act does not enforce it, such as for sexual harassment or sexual assault claims and for seamen, railroad and other interstate transportation workers.
Architecture candidates who pass one exam part can use the title architect-in-training
Candidates for an architect license who have passed at least one exam division can apply to the state architects board to use the title architect-in-training for up to four years, under a supervising licensed architect. They can't offer architecture services on their own.
Assault or battery on an on-duty utility infrastructure worker can bring up to a year in jail
Assault or battery on a utility worker building, installing, maintaining or repairing water, power or gas infrastructure can bring up to one year in county jail, a $2,000 fine, or both, if the attacker knows or should know the victim's role. Contractors count too.
Assignees must name the original party in the case title of their first court filing
When someone takes over another party's rights in a California civil case by assignment, the first document they file must name the assignor, the original real party in interest, in the title of the case.
Attorney General gains oversight of health plan arbitration clauses
The Attorney General oversees, and can demand reports from, health plans whose contracts require binding arbitration, to check that they follow state disclosure and arbitration rules. Arbitration claims under a health plan must be run under the California Arbitration Act.
Attorney General must investigate fatal immigration officer shootings of unarmed people
The Attorney General must investigate any shooting by an immigration enforcement officer that kills an unarmed civilian, may prosecute the officer for breaking state law, and must post each written report online.
Attorney General's reviews of immigration detention centers no longer expire
The Attorney General's reviews of county, local and private locked facilities holding people in civil immigration cases were set to end, and now continue with no end date. The reviews no longer have to cover how each person was arrested and transferred.
Autism service paraprofessionals are covered by the state's telehealth rules
Qualified autism service paraprofessionals are added to the health care providers covered by the Medical Practice Act's telehealth rules, which require providers to tell patients about telehealth and get and document their consent first.
Baldwin Hills oil well penalties to fund cash aid for nearby households with health harms
If the Legislature funds it, the first $5 million in Baldwin Hills oil well penalties goes to Los Angeles County for cash payments to up to 1,000 nearby households with a member who has respiratory or reproductive health problems. Payments don't count against public benefits.
Ban on immigration threats against workers widens and adds a $10,000 penalty
Employers and others may not use real or perceived immigration status to retaliate against or discourage anyone from using any local, state or federal workplace right, not only state ones. Violators owe up to $10,000 per worker per violation, paid to the worker.
Bars must keep offering drink lids and drug test kits, now with no end date
The rule that Type 48 bars must sell drink-spiking test kits and provide drink lids, at prices based on wholesale cost, no longer has an end date. Bars may post either of two approved signs about the lids and kits.
Battery recycling program expands to cover larger batteries up to 25 pounds
Producers' battery take-back programs must cover medium format batteries up to 25 pounds or 2,000 watt-hours, plus batteries locked into products with a producer's anti-theft app or locking device. Program operators must meet minimum recycling rates and keep records five years instead of three.
Bereavement leave covers a person the worker names, not only close relatives
Workers may take up to five days of bereavement leave for the death of a designated person: someone related by blood or as close as family, named when they ask for leave. Employers may limit this to one designated person per 12 months.
Big companies must disclose chatbots and offer a human customer service agent
Businesses with over $500 million in revenue may not pass off service chatbots as human and must let customers ask for a person during business hours, then try to connect within 15 minutes or set a callback. Hospitals, credit bureaus and some utilities are exempt.
Big platforms must show users whether content carries AI or camera provenance data
Large online platforms with over 2 million monthly users must detect provenance data on content and let users see whether it was made or altered by AI. AI hosting sites can't knowingly offer AI systems that skip required disclosures.
Big social media platforms owe set damages for negligently injuring children
Social media platforms with over $100 million in yearly revenue that injure a child under 18 through lack of ordinary care owe the larger of $5,000 per violation, capped at $1 million per child, or three times actual damages. Cases already pending are excluded.
Bike seat and passenger rules now apply on off-street bike paths too
The rule that bicycle riders and passengers must sit on a permanent seat, with a safe child seat for kids 4 or under or 40 pounds or less, now covers Class I bike paths as well as streets. Breaking it is an infraction.
Billboards banned beside planted freeway stretches may be moved instead of bought out
Billboards barred next to freeway stretches with trees and plantings may be removed with compensation or relocated without it. Caltrans may not delay permit reviews for signs on newly opened highway stretches, and must permit relocated signs without making agencies pay compensation.
Blood test reporting rules for pesticide handlers kept for three more years
Rules on cholinesterase blood tests for workers who regularly handle pesticides were set to expire and now stay in force. Labs keep reporting results to the state, and medical supervisors keep reporting workers with signs of pesticide exposure to local health officers within 24 hours.
Bond limit for suits against affordable housing projects doubles to $1 million
Plaintiffs suing to block low- or moderate-income housing can be made to post a bond of up to $1,000,000, up from $500,000. The bond and special motion to strike rules now also cover priority care housing tied to behavioral health services.
Boric acid vaginal suppositories stay on sale but need a pregnancy warning
Vaginal suppositories with added boric acid must carry a label warning against use when pregnant, trying to conceive or nursing. The state ban on boric acid in cosmetics doesn't reach these products until later, and never does if the FDA regulates them as drugs.
Branch campuses must name a contact person for LGBTQ students and staff
Cal State and community college districts must name an LGBTQ point of contact at branch campuses and satellite sites, not only main campuses. The University of California is asked, not required, to do the same.
Brokerages must notify heirs on transfer-on-death accounts and pay within 60 days
Firms holding transfer-on-death securities must start notifying named beneficiaries once they learn all owners died, and pay each share within 60 days of full paperwork. Charities named as beneficiaries come first and need only basic ID; other beneficiaries follow a year later.
Broomrape weed program extended two years and weed grant rules tightened
The state's broomrape program, funded by assessments on processing tomato growers and handlers, now runs two more years and can cover other crops the secretary names. Weed control grants go only to weed management areas, which may spend up to 25% on overhead, up from 10%.
Building code changes filed without a cost-of-compliance estimate must be rejected
The California Building Standards Commission may not approve or adopt a proposed building standard if the agency's statement of reasons arrives without a completed estimate of what compliance will cost, including the assumptions behind it.
Building height alone isn't a significant impact in some state environmental reviews
Under state environmental review law, effects of added building height alone, such as shadows or light reflection, are not significant for projects on graded infill sites covered by a certified environmental report that fit local airport land use plans. Industrial projects and sensitive habitat sites are excluded.
CSU design-build contractors must commit to a skilled and trained workforce
A contractor cannot be prequalified, shortlisted or awarded a California State University design-build contract without an enforceable commitment that it and all subcontractors use a skilled and trained workforce for building trades work. Housing projects and work under project labor agreements are exempt.
Cal Fire gets a Fire Innovation Unit to test and buy wildfire technology
If the Legislature funds it, Cal Fire sets up a Fire Innovation Unit to research, test and buy wildfire technology. The unit may fund early-stage and mature technology projects through grants or contracts and run pilot projects and test sites.
Cal State and community college boards must post members' contact details and bios
The California State University and California Community Colleges must post each governing board member's name, email, phone, mailing address and a short biography on the board's website. The University of California is asked, but not required, to do the same.
Cal State and some community colleges must build transfer paths for tribal college students
Cal State and community college districts that offer bachelor's degrees must set up transfer and course-matching programs for students at California tribal colleges, including outreach, counseling and concurrent enrollment where there is room. The University of California is asked, not required, to join.
Cal State course instructors of record must be people who meet faculty rules
The instructor of record for a California State University course, and every faculty employee, must be a person who meets the trustees' rules for that faculty role. Employees may still use AI tools to help run the university or serve students.
California bans toys for children with built-in AI companion chatbots
No one may make, sell or offer to retailers a toy for children under 16 that includes a companion chatbot, an AI that holds human-like conversations and keeps up a relationship over time. Violators face the same civil lawsuits as chatbot operators.
California courts and tech firms can't aid probes of First Amendment activity
Exercising First Amendment rights joins protected health care on the list of activities California courts can't issue wiretap, pen register or search orders to investigate. California tech companies also can't hand over records for such probes under federal court orders, not just other states'.
California creates a Lowrider specialty license plate sponsored by the Arts Council
The Arts Council must apply to sponsor a Lowrider specialized license plate with a design reflecting lowrider culture. The DMV issues it only if enough people apply, and the extra plate fees go to lowrider arts and culture projects if the Legislature approves the spending.
California ends marriage and domestic partnership for anyone under 18
People under 18 can no longer get a marriage license or register a domestic partnership in California, even with a parent's consent and a court order, which the old law allowed. The state's annual report on minors' marriages also ends.
California formally apologizes to Native Americans for state-backed violence
The state accepts responsibility and apologizes for violence and other harms its representatives and the Legislature inflicted on California Native Americans, and orders a plaque with the apology installed in the State Capitol, which grants and private donations may help pay for.
California rewrites the legal definition of a family resource center
The state's child abuse prevention law gets a new definition of family resource center: a family-friendly hub offering free or low-cost family support services that respond to community needs and build peer support and social connections among families.
California sales tax will apply to downloaded and cloud-based software
Sales tax extends to prewritten software downloaded or used remotely, not just software on a disk, but not music, video, books or games. For three tax years, new LLCs and partnerships owe $400, not $800, their first year, and the $5 million credit cap stays.
California seed registration fee rises from $40 to $100 a year
Seed labelers and sellers who must register with the state pay $100 a year to register, up from $40. Later, the state agriculture secretary may raise the fee by up to $50 a year, after consulting the Seed Advisory Board, to a cap of $300.
California sets an official Bruce Lee Day every May
The Governor must proclaim Bruce Lee Day on the same day in May every year. Public schools are encouraged, not required, to mark the day with lessons on his life and his contributions to California.
California will match any federal move to loosen testosterone drug controls
Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone stay Schedule III drugs in California. If federal law moves them to a less restrictive schedule or exempts them, state law automatically does the same.
California's 20 percent historic building tax credit is renewed for five more years
The state's 20 percent income tax credit for rehabilitating certified historic buildings is renewed for five more tax years and now capped at $5 million per taxpayer. The 25 percent bonus rate and the historic home credit are dropped, and the Legislature sets the yearly total.
California's ban on masked police now covers state agency peace officers
The crime of police wearing face coverings on duty now applies to peace officers of state agencies, not only local and federal ones. Sunglasses and similar items are allowed unless combined to hide identity, and agencies have until the date shown to post a mask policy.
California's manufactured home definition now follows the federal one
The state definition of a manufactured home now matches the federal one and covers homes with or without a foundation. The housing department must write rules letting homes without a permanent chassis be built and sold on equal terms.
California's statutory power of attorney form adds successor agents and digital asset powers
The state's fill-in power of attorney form is rewritten. It now lets a person name successor agents, nominate their agent as conservator of their estate, and choose whether the agent can manage digital assets and see a list or the content of their messages.
Caltrans must list wildlife crossing projects and add wildlife to highway plans
Caltrans must publish a list of wildlife connectivity improvements with each revision of its highway asset plan and make wildlife connectivity an objective in its highway management plan. Its inventory of crossing needs must be based on priority routes picked by the state wildlife department.
Campaign money can pay only for licensed security guards
Candidates and elected officials may use campaign funds to pay for security personnel only if the guards hold the right license from the state Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Other rules on campaign-funded security stay in place.
Cancer treatment facilities must post a sign about cancer case reporting
Hospitals and other facilities that treat cancer patients must post a state-designed sign in a visible spot saying cancer cases are reported to the state and may be shared with researchers, with a QR code to the California Cancer Registry.
Candidate committees must explain large payments when the candidate isn't running again
A candidate's committee that pays one person $20,000 or more in a reporting period, when the candidate is not on the next ballot and isn't running for the same office, must report the political purpose and any family or staff tie to the payee.
Candidates must swear their ballot designation worksheet is true, and some deadlines move up
Candidates must certify under penalty of perjury that their ballot designation worksheet is accurate. The Secretary of State must tell candidates who else filed for their office at least 78 days before the election instead of 73, and other filing and announcement deadlines move earlier.
Candidates no longer face a maximum number of nomination signatures
Candidates no longer face a cap on nomination signatures: they need only the minimum, and can keep turning in signatures until the county elections official verifies enough. The rule letting officials pull out excess signatures is repealed.
Cannabis edibles and drinks must list the Poison Help number on the label
Edible cannabis and cannabis drink labels must list the national Poison Help line number. Later, multi-serving cannabis drinks need a multiple servings notice and serving lines on clear containers, stores must offer a free measuring device, and single-serve marketing is banned.
Cannabis shops must show lab certificates on request; state can test products off the shelf
Cannabis retailers must give customers a product's lab certificate of analysis on request and let the state take products from store shelves for testing. The state may put testing labs through performance tests and may order retests.
Canned and pickled food makers must register and pay $350 a year instead of a cannery license
The state cannery license is repealed. Commercial makers of acidified or low-acid foods, such as canned or pickled goods, must instead register with the state health department, follow a scheduled process from a processing authority, and pay an extra $350 a year.
Car-sharing platforms' liability for owners set at no less than $250,000 per person
Peer-to-peer car-sharing programs no longer take on all of an owner's liability while someone else drives the car. They cover injured third parties up to the amounts in their agreement, at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage.
Career technical education grant formula must hand out all of the money each year
The state Education Department, rather than the Superintendent, now runs the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Program. It must write a new allocation formula so that all money appropriated in a year goes to applicants that same year, as far as practicable.
Carpet recycling program gets a voting board, more drop-off sites and labor grants
Carpet makers' recycling group must set up a 14-member voting board, accept free drop-offs at more sites including retailers and recycling centers, and give $2 million a year to union apprenticeship programs. State penalties of up to $25,000 a day become administrative penalties.
Certified deposition transcripts can be sent to attorneys electronically
Court reporters may now send a certified deposition transcript to the noticing attorney as an encrypted electronic file, instead of a sealed envelope, if that attorney asks. The file must show it is authentic and unaltered, and courts may accept it as the original.
Chain restaurants must offer at least one healthier children's meal
Restaurant chains with 20 or more locations that sell children's meals must offer at least one with no more than 550 calories, 700 mg of sodium and 15 grams of added sugar, plus two servings such as fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, protein or whole grains.
Charging veterans for help with Veterans Affairs claims is banned except as federal law allows
No one may charge for preparing or pursuing a veteran's federal Veterans Affairs benefits claim unless federal law allows it, and fees above what accredited attorneys or agents may charge are unlawful. Businesses cannot demand veterans' federal system logins.
Charity fundraising platforms can no longer rely on IRS lists to check a charity's standing
Online giving platforms may rely on Franchise Tax Board and Attorney General lists, but not IRS lists, to confirm a charity's good standing. They must say what happens to money a charity can't receive. Checkout asks of $10 or less can use a disclosure link.
Chemical mixtures with 70% or less GBL no longer need a state permit
Mixtures containing 70 percent or less GBL, a solvent used in chip making, are exempt from the state Justice Department permit and reporting rules for listed chemicals. They are also exempt from bill of sale rules when GBL is the only reason those rules apply.
Child abuse interview teams may share records and interview videos with child welfare agencies
Team members at a county's children's advocacy center may now share case records, including video of the child's forensic interview, with child welfare agencies that investigate abuse and neglect. The records stay confidential and may be shared only for interviews, case talks or services.
Child care and preschool forms can be signed electronically
Signatures required under the state's subsidized child care law may be electronic if they meet the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and signed forms may be kept electronically. Child care and preschool contractors' e-signatures must now meet that act's rules.
Child care mental health consultations get new rules for state reimbursement
To be reimbursed, early childhood mental health consultations at state-funded child care and preschool programs no longer need twice-yearly setting assessments and adverse childhood experience screening of each child. Instead, they must use a classroom observation tool at least once a year.
Child sexual exploitation law now covers downloading, streaming and AI-made images
The crime of sexual exploitation of a child, which covered making, copying or exchanging images of minors in sexual conduct, now also covers knowingly downloading, streaming or accessing them, including digitally altered or AI-generated images. Mandated reporters' definition of sexual exploitation adds the same images.
Childcare navigators can refer foster children straight to the county for emergency childcare
Childcare navigators can refer foster children to the county welfare department for the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program, and counties that run the program must decide whether the referred child is eligible.
Cities and counties can't approve data centers without a water supply assessment
Cities and counties may not approve building a data center, or an expansion that raises peak water use, unless the applicant supplies a water supply assessment, water use and workforce figures and pays for needed water infrastructure. A drought plan is required later.
Cities and counties can't approve new privately run detention centers
Cities and counties, including charter cities, may not approve a new land use for building a detention facility or a change of use that turns an existing building into one. The ban covers facilities run by private companies for a government agency.
Cities and counties must allow pop-up shops for up to 120 days in commercial spaces
Cities and counties must let small pop-up businesses operate for up to 120 days in eligible commercial buildings without meeting every permanent occupancy standard, as long as they follow temporary-use safety rules. Pop-ups approved for limited food preparation count as food facilities.
Cities and counties must use more detailed Black ancestry categories in hiring data
When cities and counties collect ancestry or ethnic origin data on new hires, they must include the same added categories for Black or African American groups that state hiring uses, meant to count descendants of people enslaved in the United States.
Cities can count soil amendments and more small-site compost toward organic waste goals
Cities and counties can count fertilizer-registered soil amendments made from organic waste, including biosolids, toward up to 10 percent of their organic waste buying target. Small compost sites now qualify with up to 200 cubic yards onsite, or 500 if publicly owned, up from 100.
Cities can exclude more state-listed historic sites from transit-area housing rules
Until a year after their seventh housing element revision, cities and counties with an exclusion ordinance can also exempt contributing sites in historic districts and individual historic parcels on the State Historic Resources Inventory, if listed before the cutoff already used for local register sites.
Cities can't ask transit agencies to cut stops to avoid transit housing rules
A city or county with a transit-oriented stop may not ask the transit agency to cut service, remove the stop or remove a transit lane to escape the state's transit housing law. It also can't block transit projects over the extra housing height or density.
Cities can't block Mello-Roos districts for affordable housing without findings
When all landowners petition for a Mello-Roos district to fund infrastructure for a project with affordable homes, a city or county can't abandon it or refuse its special taxes or bonds unless it finds, on substantial evidence, harm to the public interest or another listed reason.
Cities that run their own health departments can form homeless outreach teams
Cities that serve as their own local health jurisdiction, not only counties, can set up homeless adult and family multidisciplinary teams whose members share confidential information to link homeless people with housing and services.
Cities, counties and state agencies can request the state's crime gun trace data
The Justice Department's data on recovered crime guns, used to track where they come from, must be shared on request with any California town, city, county or state agency. UC, Cal State and accredited nonprofit colleges, already allowed to use it for research, are now named.
City attorneys get state criminal records for red light abatement cases
The Attorney General must give state criminal history records to city attorneys and county counsel for cases that now include red light abatement actions against properties used for prostitution. Tribal police from other states may also get records on a showing of compelling need.
City council members on parental leave won't lose their seats for missed meetings
Cities must let council members tell the clerk in writing, not at a public meeting, that they are taking parental leave, which no longer counts toward absences that can vacate a seat. Leave lasts 12 weeks, or longer if city employees get more.
Claim resolution rules for public works contractors no longer expire
The process that makes public agencies review a contractor's claim on a public works project and answer in writing within 45 days, with mediation for disputes, was due to expire. It now continues with no end date.
Claims against government agencies must include a sworn statement that they're true
Anyone filing a claim for damages against a public entity or public employee must include a declaration that, on information and belief, the contents of the claim are true and correct. Before, the claim only had to be signed.
Clinicians can meet the maternal mental health screening duty by referring patients
Prenatal and postpartum clinicians can meet the maternal mental health screening duty by referring a patient to another licensed practitioner, and must see that anyone who screens positive gets evaluated. Health plans and insurers must give those members case management.
Clinics and hospitals must post signs barring immigration agents without a warrant
Health care providers must now post the notice at main entrances saying immigration agents need a judicial warrant to enter private areas, and must set visitor procedures. Staff must be told how to handle detained patients' requests to tell family where they are.
Coastal plate fees and 49ers plate money get new splits for beach and outdoor grants
Extra fees from the coastal design license plate are split evenly between the Coastal Commission's beach programs and coastal access grants, if the Legislature funds them and the fund has enough reserve. Part of 49ers plate money goes to coastal and outdoor equity grants.
College students in harassment cases may bring both a support person and an adviser
Colleges that get state aid must let each student party in a sexual harassment complaint have both a support person and an adviser of their choice at every stage, from reporting to hearing and informal resolution. Before, it was one or the other.
Colleges with dorms must defer upfront housing costs for foster and homeless youth
Community colleges must now give current and former foster and homeless youth housing priority, as Cal State already does. Campuses with housing, and UC if the Regents agree, must ask about eligibility on applications and defer or waive upfront housing costs until financial aid arrives.
Combined sheriff-coroner offices can no longer rule on deaths in custody
In counties where the sheriff is also the coroner, the sheriff-coroner may not decide the cause and manner of an in-custody death. The county must contract with an independent coroner, a medical examiner's office or a private examiner separate from the sheriff.
Commercial scales and meters must be readable by both the customer and the operator
The ban on placing a scale or measuring device where its readings can't be read under ordinary circumstances now covers devices used for any commercial purpose, not only retail, and requires that both the customer and the operator can read it.
Community college chancellor's office takes over district audit and fiscal reports
The California Community Colleges chancellor's office, instead of the board of governors, reports to lawmakers on college district audit problems and on corrective actions for districts in fiscal trouble. Those fiscal actions must go to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee as well.
Community colleges must plan common course numbers for firefighting and police classes
California Community Colleges must send lawmakers a plan, with costs, for common course numbers in career public safety classes: firefighting, law enforcement and modern policing degree courses. Putting the system in place depends on funding being available.
Community school grant money may pay for leading Promise Neighborhood school networks
Districts and county offices in the California Community Schools Partnership Program may use the up to 10 percent of grant money they keep for administration to lead a network of schools in a Promise Neighborhood. That retained money must follow the state community schools framework.
Companies filing federal merger notices must also send a copy to California's Attorney General
Companies that file a federal Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger notice must file a copy with the California Attorney General within one business day if they are based in California or have California sales of at least 20% of the federal threshold. Fines reach $25,000 a day.
Concealed carry licenses last up to three years instead of two
Standard California licenses to carry a concealed firearm are valid for up to three years from the date issued, up from two. The 90-day limit for licenses based on a workplace and the four-year terms for some custodial and appointed peace officers stay in place.
Condo owners with EV chargers in common areas pay for damage from using them
Homeowners who install an EV charger in a common area of a condo or HOA development must now also pay for damage caused by using it, not only by installing or repairing it. The installer must cover the association's losses from the installation.
Consumers can make businesses delete personal data collected about them from others
California's privacy law now lets people ask a business to delete personal information it collected about them from any source, not only from them. Online-only businesses must also offer a web form or portal for privacy requests, besides an email address.
Contra Costa can ask voters for a transportation sales tax above the state cap
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority may ask voters to approve a sales tax of up to 1% for countywide transportation, even if it pushes the county's combined local rate past the usual 2% cap. The tax needs voter approval.
Contractors' state tax payment plans must be in writing to avoid license suspension
Contractors with unpaid final tax debts to the state tax and fee department or the old Board of Equalization avoid license refusal or suspension only under a written installment agreement they follow. License applications must also authorize the department to share tax data.
Controller's 30-day notice of mandate claim adjustments now runs from the adjustment
The State Controller's 30-day written notice of an audit or review adjustment to a mandate claim now runs from the adjustment, and payment notices no longer count. Local agencies and school districts can choose to offset reductions against unpaid claims or adjust later payments.
Counties can charge more to register pest control businesses and pilots
The cap on a county's yearly registration fee for a pest control business rises from $25 to $75 in its home county, with up to $50 in each additional county. Caps for pest control pilots and advisers rise from $10 to $55, then step up to $75 over two years.
Counties may add a jail administrator, nominated by the sheriff and confirmed by supervisors
A county board of supervisors may create a jail administrator post to run county jails for three-year terms. The sheriff nominates the candidate, the board confirms after a public hearing, and the sheriff keeps power to direct, discipline or remove the administrator.
Counties must compare their rate of placing foster children with relatives each year
Each county must review data every year comparing how often it places foster children with relatives, and Indian children under federal placement preferences, with the statewide average. Counties below average must consult the Center for Excellence in Family Finding on better practices.
Counties must give lawmakers a street-to-precinct index for redistricting
County elections officials must also give the Legislature or its designee a master street index matching addresses to precincts, through a new secure electronic system. Complete, unredacted precinct election returns sent to the state are kept confidential.
Counties must mail notice to owners when a deed or mortgage is recorded
Every county except Los Angeles must run a program that mails the people who signed a deed, quitclaim deed, mortgage or deed of trust a notice within 30 days of recording. Counties may charge filers a fee to cover the cost.
County clerks can certify records with a stamped or electronic signature
County clerks can sign certified copies of records with a printed, stamped, electronic or other digital signature instead of only by hand, as long as the clerk's official seal is on the certification.
County mental health directors must set rules for who can order 72-hour holds
County behavioral health directors must set up and carry out procedures for designating and training the professionals who can take a person into custody for a 72-hour mental health evaluation. Before, creating those procedures was optional.
County offices and charter schools can join teacher exchanges with other countries
Teacher exchanges with schools abroad, including Mexico and Spain, open to county offices of education and charter schools, not only districts, and the one-year limit is dropped. State rules become optional, but any rules must let J-1 visa sponsors place foreign teachers.
County recording fees rise to $15 for the first page and $4 for each added page
The county fee to record a document goes from $10 to $15 for the first page and from $3 to $4 for each added page. Extra fees for nonstandard spacing or page size, and $1 fees for added names and references, are dropped.
Court clerks must send all of a grand jury's final reports to the State Archivist within 6 months
Court clerks no longer forward each grand jury final report to the State Archivist right away. They must collect all final reports and responses from a grand jury's term and send them within 6 months after the term ends.
Court filing fee rules for bounced checks now cover card and electronic payments
Court rules for filing fees paid short or by a bounced check, including a notice, an administrative charge and 20 days to pay before the filing is voided, now cover card, electronic transfer and other approved payments. Clerks refund e-filing providers whose fees stay unpaid.
Courts can add up to a year of probation for registered sex offenders
When the probation department asks and the court finds a person required to register as a sex offender has not finished probation and needs more programming, the judge can extend probation by up to one more year.
Courts can bar convicted abusers from contacting the victim's family members too
When sentencing someone for domestic violence, human trafficking, gang crimes or a registrable sex offense, a court that is considering a no-contact order for the victim may also bar contact with the victim's family or household members.
Courts can't demand notice to the other side before emergency domestic violence orders
Courts may not require that the person to be restrained get advance notice before the court accepts or decides a request for an emergency domestic violence restraining order, or demand an explanation for skipping notice. Court rules and forms that conflict must go.
Courts may hear late annulment petitions from people forced into marriage
A person whose consent to a marriage was obtained by force may ask a court to accept an annulment petition filed after the usual 4-year deadline, and the court may allow it for good cause. The Judicial Council must update its forms.
Courts may shorten or waive the six-month wait to finalize a divorce
A court may reduce or waive the six-month wait before a divorce is final, for good cause, if the spouses have resolved all material issues. Good cause includes domestic violence, a signed settlement or plans to remarry. Before, courts were only allowed to extend it.
Courts may weigh military protective orders in domestic violence cases
Judges weighing domestic violence restraining orders may consider a military commander's protective order against the respondent for the same or similar conduct. If officers at a scene hear such an order exists and the victim has no copy, they must check for it.
Courts must allow moving a loved one's remains when good cause is shown
When family consent can't be obtained to move remains from a cemetery plot, a person can ask the county superior court for permission. The court must now grant that request when the applicant shows good cause.
Courts must find Prop 65 settlements serve the public before approving them
Before approving a private Proposition 65 settlement, a judge must find the attorney fees reasonable and appropriate and the deal in the public interest with a public benefit. If the Attorney General objects to fees, the court can approve the rest and set fees later.
Courts must weigh a prosecutor's other trial heavily in human trafficking delay requests
In human trafficking cases, judges deciding whether to postpone must give great weight to the assigned prosecutor being busy in another trial, preliminary hearing or motion to suppress. Only one such delay is allowed, for no more than 10 court days.
Custody mediation notices can be handed out in court and must explain confidentiality
Custody or visitation mediation notices must be written and can be given by court staff, with court papers, by mail or electronically, not only certified mail. Each must say mediation is confidential and that a party alleging domestic violence can ask for separate meetings.
Cybersecurity skills to be considered in the next K-12 computer science standards
When the state next revises its computer science content standards for kindergarten through 12th grade, the Instructional Quality Commission must consider adding cybersecurity skills. Nothing in the law forces a revision.
Data brokers must process California deletion requests every 30 days, not 45
Registered data brokers must check the state's one-stop deletion system and act on requests at least every 30 days instead of every 45. Later, state and local officials can sue data brokers that ignore deletion requests from elected officials and judges.
Data centers lose access to categorical exemptions from environmental review
Data center projects can no longer use categorical exemptions from the California Environmental Quality Act; public, research and utility facilities are excluded. Data centers meeting strict clean power and cost rules, and geothermal plants, may qualify for the Governor's fast-track review.
Data centers must report water use estimates to get or renew a business license
Data center owners must give their water supplier a sworn estimate of expected water use and sources before applying for a city or county business license, and repeat it on the application. Renewals must report the previous calendar year's water use and cooling system type.
Data centers to get their own power rates so other customers don't pay their costs
The state utilities commission must have each large electric utility file data center tariffs covering a share of wildfire and grid costs and the added power bought for them, backed by collateral and minimum payments. Community choice and other power providers must adopt similar tariffs.
Day care centers in residential areas no longer need state environmental review
A project that is only a day care center in a residential area is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, as centers elsewhere already were. Sites within 3,200 feet of oil or gas extraction or refining, or on protected natural lands, don't qualify.
Deed limits that block a grocery store where one closed become void
Covenants and leases barring grocery use of a property where a grocery store closed are void against an interested party once an approved modification document is recorded. New restrictions like that are banned, with exceptions such as exclusive-use clauses while another grocery operates there.
Deer archery hunters are no longer barred from carrying a firearm
The ban on carrying a firearm, or having one within reach, while hunting deer during archery season is repealed. Before, only active or honorably retired peace officers were exempt from it.
Density bonus concessions can't waive local labor standards on buildings over 85 feet
Developers using the state density bonus law can no longer get a concession that sets aside a city's or county's labor standards on buildings taller than 85 feet. This covers local standards no stricter than the labor rules in the state's fast-track housing approval law.
Density bonus homes can also meet affordability rules through nonprofit loan programs
Builders who got a density bonus for affordable for-sale homes have another way to meet the rules: the home can be bought by a nonprofit housing group that sells to extremely low, very low or lower income families using a below market interest rate loan program.
Dental plans must pay out-of-network dentists directly when patients assign benefits
Dental plans and insurers covering out-of-network care must pay a noncontracting dentist directly when the patient signs an assignment of benefits. The dentist must give cost disclosures first and can't charge more upfront than the patient's estimated share. Medi-Cal plans are excluded.
Development fees must be cut to credit what a demolished or converted building already used
Local development fees on projects that demolish or change an existing use must be offset so they cover only the project's added impact. Water and sewer capacity charges for a changed connection can cover only the change in capacity, with no refund if capacity goes down.
Device age signals cover all users, and no one may ask for one without legal need
The state's device age-signal law now covers the primary user of any device with account setup, not only children, and operating systems must send the age bracket to app stores and app developers. No one may request an age signal unless a law requires it.
Digital replicas count as a person's voice or likeness in publicity and impersonation laws
The law spells out that using an AI digital replica of someone's voice or likeness without consent falls under the state's right-of-publicity lawsuit rule, and counts as false impersonation in criminal cases. It also ends a legal presumption that protected employers using workers' photos in ads.
Direct service professionals in disability services renamed direct support professionals
Workers who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get a new legal title, direct support professionals. The term now means paid staff of regional center-funded providers who spend at least half their time on direct support tasks.
Dismissed juvenile court cases are treated as if they never happened
When a juvenile court dismisses a petition in the interests of justice, the case is deemed not to have occurred, and the person cannot suffer future harm because of it. A dismissal of a sustained petition also sets aside the findings.
Displaced oil and gas worker grant program no longer has an end date
The Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Pilot Program, which gives grants to groups helping people leaving oil, gas and related jobs, was set to end and now continues with no end date, but runs only if the Legislature funds it.
Disposable tobacco vapes are banned, first from making and importing, then from sale
Making or importing new or refurbished disposable, battery-embedded tobacco vapes for sale in California is banned, and a later ban covers selling or distributing them. Fines start at $500 for a first violation. Cannabis vapes are not covered.
District attorneys get subpoena power to reinvestigate claims of factual innocence
When a district attorney's office formally accepts a claim of factual innocence for review, it may notify the court and treat the case as open, with power to issue subpoenas and file motions. Materials gathered must go to the petitioner within 60 days after the investigation ends.
District intern teaching credentials now require a verified teaching job
Applicants for a district intern credential must show a verified teaching job at a California school district, county office or charter school. School districts with 250,000 or more students, down from 400,000, may change some repair contracts up to 25% without new bids.
Districts must name a contact person for students leaving juvenile court schools
The school district or charter school a student will enroll in after a juvenile court school must assign a staff point person for the transition and work with the county education office. Transferring schools must also issue foster youth transcripts within two business days.
Doctors can't charge a fee to fill out state disability insurance forms
Physicians and other practitioners may no longer charge an administrative fee to complete the medical certificate for a state disability insurance claim, or for recertification exams and forms. They can still bill for medical care and collect copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
Doctors who surrender licenses during sexual misconduct cases can't get them back
The Medical Board may not reinstate a doctor who gave up a license while a board accusation of sexual misconduct, abuse or exploitation of a patient was pending. Before, the bar covered surrenders made because the doctor committed such acts. Podiatrists are covered too.
Domestic violence restraining orders now cover forced marriage
Courts may issue domestic violence protective orders against forced marriage, including against everyone who arranges, officiates, pays for or helps with it, whether or not a marriage took place or is legally valid. Coercive control now includes keeping a party or witness out of court.
Drivers can't sign over windshield insurance benefits to glass shops
Contracts handing a driver's insurance rights for windshield and camera calibration work to a glass shop or anyone else are void, though the insurer can still pay the shop. Shops must give estimates, calibration results and receipts, and can't reward claims.
E-bikes get speed labels and sale disclosures, and sidewalks a 10 mph limit
E-bikes must carry a label with class, top assisted speed and motor wattage, sellers must give buyers written safety disclosures, and sidewalks get a 10 mph limit. Cities may set 10, 15 or 20 mph limits on bike paths and trails.
EV charging stations with canopies or batteries get fast-track permit approval
Cities and counties must give administrative approval to EV charging stations with canopies or onsite battery storage, not only basic chargers. They must send written notice within 30 days once an application is deemed approved, and update their fast-track permit rules.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha become California state holidays, but courts stay open
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha join the list of state holidays but not court holidays. Public schools and community colleges may close on them under a labor agreement, and state workers may use their personal holiday credit on either day.
Elder abuse cases with cognitively impaired victims can get a short delay for busy prosecutors
Felony elder or dependent adult abuse cases with a cognitively impaired victim join cases like murder and domestic violence where a prosecutor tied up in another trial is good cause for a delay, limited to one delay per case of up to 10 court days.
Electric two-wheelers that top 20 mph are banned from public roads unless road-legal
Riding an electric two- or three-wheeler that tops 20 mph on motor power on public roads is banned unless it fits a road-legal type in the Vehicle Code; police can remove it. Ads for electric mopeds and small motorcycles need a registration and insurance warning.
Electricians who fail the certification exam can apply to retest right away
Electricians who fail the state certification exam can apply to retake it right away and test again 21 days after approval. If the Legislature funds it, electrician certification moves from the state labor standards division to the Contractors State License Board.
Emergency care law doesn't require doctor supervision of nurse-midwives in labor units
Hospital emergency care and health plan payment rules do not require a physician to supervise a licensed nurse-midwife working within their license in labor and delivery, obstetric triage or emergency obstetric units, or when a treating doctor asks them to consult.
Emergency office must file two after-action reports for each state of emergency
The Office of Emergency Services must write two after-action reports per state of emergency, one within 180 days of the declaration and one within 180 days after it ends. Affected cities and counties must report on local recovery within 120 days after it ends.
Employers can get one workplace violence order covering all workers at a site
An employer may seek a workplace violence restraining order for all employees at a workplace or work location when harassment, violence or a credible threat is aimed at that place, without naming each worker in the petition.
Employers can't use AI surveillance to read workers' emotions or collect neural data
Employers, public agencies included, may not use AI workplace surveillance tools to recognize or predict workers' emotions or to collect neural data. The Labor Commissioner and prosecutors can enforce it, with penalties up to $500 per violation; some aerospace and defense work is exempt.
Employers may not monitor workers in workplace bathrooms
Employers may not use surveillance tools to monitor employees in workplace bathrooms, and workers may leave tracking devices behind when they go in, with exceptions such as ID badges without audio, video or AI. The Labor Commissioner enforces, with penalties up to $500 per violation.
Employers that require CPR training must also require naloxone overdose training
Employers that require workers to get CPR certification must also have them take an online naloxone video training approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority, at the employer's cost. Workers whose CPR or first aid course already meets the standards are covered.
Environmental lawsuits over wildfire rebuilding projects get a faster court track
For wildfire rebuilding projects that fit local zoning in areas under a wildfire state of emergency, agencies must build the review record as they go, and courts must try to settle lawsuits within 270 days. The applicant must agree to pay the court costs.
Established aftermarket car part makers can get conditional approval to sell before sign-off
Part makers holding at least 10 state air board exemption orders, one in the same category, can ask to sell an add-on or modified part during review. Requests not decided within 30 business days are generally deemed approved, for up to two years.
Estates must report child support debts of heirs as well as the person who died
An executor or estate lawyer who actually knows the person who died, or an heir or beneficiary, owes court-ordered child support must notify the state child support agency. The old test of having reason to believe is dropped, and no investigation is required.
Every state ban on sex discrimination covers gender identity, pregnancy and stereotypes
Any California law that bans discrimination based on sex or gender must be read to cover sex stereotypes, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, intersex traits, and pregnancy, including abortion and contraception decisions. Lawmakers say this restates rights that already exist.
Expanded learning programs at high-need schools must put disadvantaged students first
In districts and charter schools where at least 55% of students are low-income, English learners or foster youth, expanded learning programs open to all students must give those students priority. That may include outreach to their families and help enrolling.
Extra $2 court penalty for emergency medical care funds kept for 10 more years
Counties may keep adding $2 for every $10 of criminal fines to their emergency medical services fund, and 15% of that money still goes to pediatric trauma centers. These rules were set to expire and now continue.
FAIR Plan must post policy counts by ZIP code and its risk exposure every quarter
The California FAIR Plan, the last-resort property insurer, must post each quarter on its website the number of policies it has issued in each ZIP code and its risk exposure. It no longer has to list its toll-free number in phone books.
FAIR Plan must tell policyholders every year about coverage options from regular insurers
The California FAIR Plan must send every policyholder a notice of coverage options at least yearly, including at each renewal, and agents must tell clients about clearinghouse offers from regular insurers. Agents registered with the plan must complete its approved training.
Factory-certified EV chargers can go into service without a field inspection
Factory-certified commercial EV chargers can go into service without a sealer or service agency, and operators must report them to the county sealer within 72 hours. Any competent person may do repairs not affecting the meter, with written notice to the sealer within a week.
Fair fund money must be handed out faster, and a reserve may be kept
The Fair and Exposition Fund now also pays for fair projects to meet state regulations and improve emergency services. Money arriving late in the year must be allocated within 90 days, and a reasonable reserve may be held back instead of allocating everything by year end.
Family members who file CARE Court petitions can give the court information on the patient
The original petitioner in a CARE Court case, such as a parent or spouse, may give information on the person's condition, treatment history and housing, and the court may weigh it. This does not make them a party or give them access to confidential records.
Farm labor contractors must post surety bonds twice as large to get a license
Bonds required for a farm labor contractor license double to $50,000, $100,000 or $150,000 depending on payroll, up from $25,000, $50,000 and $75,000. Civil penalties of $100 per worker plus $100 a day now also reach licensed contractors who break the rules.
Farmworkers Day state holiday moves from late March to early April
The state worker holiday and optional school and community college closure for Farmworkers Day move from late March to early April. The separate August California Farmworker Day is repealed, and school union contracts signed earlier keep the old day until they expire.
Fees to consultants for local sales tax sharing deals are capped at $250,000 or 5%
Consultants paid for arranging a local sales tax sharing agreement can't receive more than 5% of the shared tax revenue or $250,000, whichever is lower. Agency staff and unpaid technical advisers are excluded, and only agreements made on or after the start date count.
Fine for missing recycled plastic targets in drink bottles rises to 30 cents a pound
Beverage makers that miss the recycled plastic content targets for bottles now pay 30 cents for each pound of plastic they fall short, up from 20 cents. Their yearly reports must later include third-party proof of the recycled content they claim.
Fire sprinkler fitter certification moves from regulation into state law
The State Fire Marshal's certification rules for fire sprinkler fitters, now in regulations, become state law, with trainee and apprentice tracks and contractor duties. Fire officials can inspect worksites and issue stop work orders, and violations are a misdemeanor.
Firefighters disabled by pregnancy or childbirth get up to 26 weeks of full paid leave
Local fire departments, Cal State, Cal Fire and county fire units must give firefighters disabled by pregnancy, childbirth or a related condition up to 26 weeks of leave at full pay, with benefits and their job kept. It covers those with 1,250 hours in the past year.
Firms must tell the Attorney General before releasing abortion or gender-affirming care records
California businesses served with a subpoena or similar request about abortion or gender-affirming care must notify the Attorney General at least seven business days before producing records, unless federal law sets a shorter deadline. Requests attesting the case involves conduct illegal in California are exempt.
First responders can ask county mental health agencies to file CARE Court petitions
Instead of filing a CARE Court petition themselves, first responders can ask the county behavioral health agency to file one for a person with severe psychotic illness. The agency must decide within 30 business days and tell the first responder the outcome.
Food bank donation tax credit runs five more tax years
The 15% state tax credit for farmers, packers and processors, but not retailers, who donate produce and certain other foods to California food banks now runs five more tax years. The Emergency Food for Families donation line also stays on state income tax returns.
Food facilities may use service windows over 432 square inches with two safeguards
Food facility service windows of 216 to 432 square inches need an air curtain or a self-closing device, and windows larger than 432 square inches are allowed if they have both. Service windows may be used only for handing out food, not as entrances.
Foster youth 14 and older can see their own school records
School districts must give foster youth age 14 or older access to their own school records tied to their education, the same right homeless unaccompanied youth already have. Before, these records generally needed a parent's consent or a court order.
Foster youth get the right to move belongings in suitcases, not trash bags
Foster youth gain a right to have their belongings moved in suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks or boxes rather than trash bags during placement changes. They also gain a right to reasonable access to their own clothes and personal items.
Foster youth leaving care must be given the last known whereabouts of parents and siblings
County welfare departments must give older foster youth and nonminor dependents the last known whereabouts and contact information of their parents and siblings, along with the family history they already get. The young person can decline it.
Four more musk chemicals are banned from cosmetics, and musk ketone gets limits
Musk ambrette, musk tibetene, musk moskene and musk xylene join the list of ingredients banned from cosmetics sold in California. Musk ketone is capped by product type, from 1.4 percent in fine fragrance to none in oral products.
Fresno and San Joaquin jail deputies become peace officers with limited powers
Deputy sheriffs in Fresno and San Joaquin counties hired mainly for jail duty join those in counties such as Butte and Calaveras as peace officers whose powers apply only while doing their custody work or other duties ordered during a local emergency.
Gas station vapor equipment certified for E10 may be used with E15 fuel
Vapor recovery systems and fuel dispensers certified for gasoline with 10% ethanol may also be used with blends up to 15% if the maker files a signed compatibility statement with state regulators. Stations selling those blends must follow State Fire Marshal labeling rules.
Gas utilities must report yearly what they spend replacing pipelines
Each gas corporation must file an annual report with the Public Utilities Commission on its spending to replace and upgrade gas distribution lines. The commission must also consider a depreciation plan that accounts for falling gas demand, to limit what customers pay for unused pipes.
Geothermal test projects can include equipment that links wells and reservoirs
A geothermal exploratory project, which gets its own environmental review rules, can now include equipment and work to connect wells and reservoirs. The half-mile minimum distance from producing wells is measured from every point along the well, including its bottom.
Gill net permits can be transferred only once, and only to a family member
Commercial gill and trammel net permit holders with landings in 15 of the past 20 years may transfer a permit only once and only to a family member, under Fish and Game Commission rules. Before, any qualified person was eligible to receive it.
Golden Gate Bridge district may take state and federal loans for seismic work
The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District may accept contributions and loans from the state and federal governments to pay for seismic safety work on the bridge, and may pledge toll revenue to repay those loans.
Governor's tribal advisor office becomes the Office of Tribal Affairs with liaisons in agencies
The Governor's Tribal Advisor office is replaced by an Office of Tribal Affairs led by a Secretary of Tribal Affairs, advised by a Tribal Advisory Committee. Every state agency whose work affects tribal governments must name a tribal liaison.
Grant program for women in construction apprenticeships, if lawmakers fund it
If the Legislature funds it, the state Department of Industrial Relations must create a grant program, run by its apprenticeship division, to widen access to registered construction preapprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for women, nonbinary people and other underrepresented groups.
Ground rent on hotel land can't count density bonuses that aren't yet approved
When ground rent under an existing lease is set or reset for land with an operating hotel or motel, the land can't be valued using density bonuses, concessions or waivers unless those are already approved and vested on the valuation date.
Groundwater lawsuit plaintiffs must file proof of mailed and posted notices to landowners
In suits to settle groundwater rights in a basin, the plaintiff's notice of completed mailing must include a sworn statement from the mailer and delivery receipts, and, where no receipt came back, a sworn statement and photo of each posted notice.
HIV prevention devices and products join drugs in the ban on prior approval by health plans
The ban on prior authorization and step therapy for HIV prevention drugs now covers drug devices and products too, though only one of several equivalent versions must be exempt. Plans issued or renewed must cover provider-given PrEP under both medical and pharmacy benefits.
HOA boards must review a yearly statement of their management company's fees
Homeowner association boards must review, once a year, a statement of everything billed and paid to the managing agent, broken down by type such as base management fees. Members can inspect and copy the statement as an association record.
HOA notice before nomination deadlines drops from 90 to 30 days in uncontested races
To seat candidates by acclamation, HOAs must send the first notice at least 30 days before the nomination deadline, down from 90, and a reminder at least 10 days before. Electronic ballot notices, due 30 days before the vote, go only to members voting electronically.
Hauling construction debris to dump it illegally becomes a crime
Transporting trash, rocks, concrete, asphalt, dirt or other construction debris to dump it illegally is now a crime, and a fourth offense can bring a fine of up to $5,000. Dumping over 25 cubic yards brings a mandatory $25,000 fine, and over 50 cubic yards can be a felony.
Health chatbots fall under medical privacy law, and AI can't do licensed clinical work
Businesses offering health care chatbots to consumers are treated as health care providers under California's medical privacy law. Hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices may not let AI independently perform clinical tasks the law reserves for licensed professionals, and must protect clinicians' independent judgment.
Health plans and insurers can't discriminate by race, sex, age or disability
Licensed health plans and insurers may not exclude or discriminate against members based on race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex, including gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and intersex traits. Nor may they deny coverage or claims, or add cost sharing, on those grounds.
Health plans can't cap weekly use of approved autism therapy hours
Health plans and insurers can't restrict when approved autism behavioral therapy hours are used within the six-month authorization, such as weekly caps that make unused hours expire. The hours stay available if their use fits the treatment plan and is documented.
Health plans can't require prior approval for hepatitis C antiviral drugs
Health plans and insurers may no longer require prior authorization for medically necessary direct-acting antiviral drugs that treat hepatitis C. Where equivalent versions exist, a plan only has to cover one version that treats all genotypes without prior approval. Medi-Cal managed care contracts are excluded.
Health plans held to federal mental health parity rules as they stood before recent changes
Health plans and insurance policies must cover mental health and addiction care under federal parity rules and guidance as they stood before recent court challenges, so later federal changes don't loosen them in California. The state's two health coverage regulators must issue joint compliance guidance.
Health plans must also text or email members when a doctor group or hospital leaves
Health plans must send notice that a contract with a medical group or hospital is ending by text or email, as well as mail, to members who opted in. If a deal is reached later, members hear by both routes. Medi-Cal plans are exempt.
Health plans must cover FDA-approved Alzheimer's treatments without step therapy
Health plans and policies issued or renewed from this date, other than Medi-Cal plans, must cover medically necessary FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer's and other memory conditions. Step therapy is barred, though plans covering one anti-amyloid drug without it may use it for others.
Health plans must cover cervical cancer screening, home test kits included, at no cost
Health plans and insurers must cover cervical cancer screening without cost sharing, including FDA-cleared self-collection home kits, when an in-network provider orders it in line with state public health recommendations. Medi-Cal also covers screening and home kits, if federal approval and funding allow.
Health providers get at least 90 days to fix and resubmit a denied claim
Health plans and insurers must give providers at least 90 days to send a corrected claim after a denial or overpayment notice for a fixable defect. They can't reject the corrected claim for missing another filing deadline, and disputes can go to the plan's dispute process.
Health record companies must turn on privacy protections for abortion and gender care records
Businesses that store medical records on sensitive services for health providers, plans and others must now actually enable the required security features, such as limited user access and separating records on abortion, contraception and gender-affirming care, not only develop the ability to do so.
Heritage schools must tell parents the state education department does not oversee them
Heritage schools, which teach a world language and culture, must now tell parents at enrollment that the State Department of Education has no authority over them and does not monitor them. They may also serve younger kindergartners and transitional kindergartners.
High-volume spay and neuter clinics don't need a separate surgery room
Veterinarians sterilizing 20 or more dogs, cats or rabbits within 12 hours are not required to do that surgery in a separate surgical room. Other veterinary premises rules still apply, including for ordinary spay and neuter work.
Home care aides' yearly training must now cover dementia care
The five hours of yearly training home care aides must complete now has to cover the special care needs of clients with dementia, next to topics like client safety and abuse. The minimum hours stay the same, and it can still be done online.
Hospital doctors' competence reviews move from every 2 years to every 3
Hospital medical staff must show they can perform procedures competently when first appointed and at least every 3 years after, instead of every 2. Staff reappointments move from every 1 or 2 years to every 3, and the state may not require them more often.
Hospitals and nursing homes must try to reach next of kin when someone dies
General acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities must try within 72 hours to tell known next of kin of a death, then tell the county public administrator within two business days if none is found. Missed notices cost $200 a day, up to $50,000.
Household hazardous waste reports switch to the calendar year
Local agencies that run household hazardous waste programs must report each year on the prior calendar year instead of the fiscal year, filing with CalRecycle on the same yearly deadline. CalRecycle shares copies with the Department of Toxic Substances Control on request.
Housing authorities can't impose work requirements or time limits on federal housing aid
Unless federal law requires it, housing authorities and landlords in HUD programs like public housing and Section 8 may not tie eligibility or subsidy amounts to work requirements or time limits. Voluntary job programs are allowed; Moving to Work agencies following HUD rules are exempt.
Housing builders can ask cities for an early estimate of required street and utility work
Housing developers can ask a city or county, with a preliminary application, for an estimate of the onsite and offsite improvements it will require, due within 30 business days. Cities must also give an itemized list of improvements within 30 business days of deeming a later permit complete.
Housing department may let owners shift surplus cash between affordable rental projects
The state housing department may let an owner move the department's share of leftover cash flow, or extra replacement reserves, from one affordable rental development to another the same owner holds, subject to set conditions.
Housing navigator help for former foster youth now covers ages 18 to 28
The county Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program, if funded by the Legislature, now serves young adults 18 to 28 instead of 18 to 24, with priority for nonminor dependents and young adults who left foster care or probation. Counties must also report on housing vouchers.
Housing plans may count abuse and trafficking survivors in supportive housing needs
The group whose supportive housing needs a city or county housing element covers may now include victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Before, the definition centered on low-income people with disabilities.
Hunters can transfer big game tags to their child or grandchild aged 17 or under
The Fish and Game Commission must set up a program letting a parent, guardian or grandparent transfer a deer, elk, antelope, bear or bighorn sheep tag to a licensed hunter 17 or younger who hunts with them. The giver pays a fee.
Idle gravel and sand mines can apply for a new reserve status to delay cleanup
Idle mines permitted to dig construction aggregate can apply for Idle Reserve Mine Status, which lets the local agency extend their interim management plan by up to 10 more years before reclamation. These mines also stay subject to yearly inspections and reporting fees.
Immigration agents with misconduct records barred from California police jobs
California bars hiring as peace officers people from other states or federal agencies who lost their certification for misconduct, or committed serious misconduct that is grounds for decertification here. That rule now expressly covers officers who did immigration enforcement.
Indian tribes get the same powers as cities over short-term rental platforms and lodging tax
Indian tribes that impose a transient occupancy tax by tribal law can use the same powers local agencies have over short-term rental platforms: requiring rental address reports, listing of tax certificates, and audits of tax the platforms collect.
Individual and small group insurance must cover fertility care and hearing aids, if approved
If the federal health department approves California's new benchmark plan, individual and small group health insurance policies must cover infertility care, including three retrieval attempts and unlimited embryo transfers, plus wheelchairs, CPAP machines, hearing exams and one hearing aid per ear every three years.
Infill housing grants open to more sites and reward walkable, transit-served areas
The state's Infill Infrastructure Grant Program now counts vacant sites next to previously developed land and areas opened to housing under the state's fast-track approval law for housing on commercial land. The housing department must also rank applications on walkability and on-demand transit access.
Infrastructure financing districts can pay for sports and entertainment venues
City infrastructure revitalization financing districts, which may fund commercial or industrial buildings for private use, can now explicitly count entertainment and sports facilities among those projects.
Insulin cost sharing capped at $35 a month in individual and small group plans
Individual and small group health plans and policies can't charge more than $35 in copays, coinsurance or deductibles for a 30-day insulin supply. Where a plan sorts drugs into tiers, the cap covers Tier 1 and Tier 2 insulin. Large group plans already have it.
Insurers must rule within 30 days on prior approval for sole rare disease drugs
Health plans and insurers must finish prior authorization within 30 days of the first request for an FDA-approved rare disease drug that a specialist prescribes as medically necessary, when it is the only FDA-approved treatment for that disease. It applies to new and renewed plans.
Interim lead and asbestos cleanup standards set for homes after wildfires
Until new state rules are adopted, homes in wildfire impact zones are cleared for occupancy only if they meet federal lead-dust action levels and state and federal asbestos standards. The state toxic substances department must write lead and asbestos testing and cleanup rules.
Investor-backed legal funders can't control law firms' litigation decisions
A business set up to raise or manage capital that invests in a law practice commits unauthorized practice of law if it controls case decisions, and contracts allowing that are void. Ordinary nonrecourse litigation funding stays legal if it meets set limits.
Judicial Council must create one eviction summons form in six languages
The Judicial Council must create a single required summons form for residential evictions with the notices to tenants in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Korean, and post it online. Before, only the top legend had to be in English and Spanish.
Juvenile courts can end or change temporary probate guardianships without new notice
A juvenile court may end or modify a temporary probate guardianship at any hearing without separate notice, if the hearing notice warned of that possibility and the court finds the change is in the child's best interests.
Juvenile courts must weigh loaded gun charges in deferred judgment decisions
When a juvenile court decides whether a minor is suitable for deferred entry of judgment, it must now consider whether the minor is charged with carrying a loaded firearm in public. Eligibility rules for the program stay the same.
Juvenile probation 12-month limit now covers youth in out-of-home placements
Wards placed in out-of-home settings under probation supervision are no longer exempt from the 12-month limit on juvenile probation. Courts may also keep jurisdiction past it to finish required transition steps, but without probation conditions; youth committed to secure treatment facilities stay excluded.
Kids' fluoride varnish is covered with no copay, whether billed as dental or medical
Health plans and insurers that cover fluoride varnish for children must cover it with no deductible or copay when medically necessary, whether billed as dental or medical care. Medi-Cal covers fluoride treatment for people under 21, up from 17 and under.
LA Unified keeps a special hiring exception and may skip seniority in some layoffs
Los Angeles Unified keeps its power to hire beyond the top three ranked applicants for listed jobs that need skills like a second language or special license, minus IT technicians. It may also keep such hires in layoffs regardless of seniority.
Landfills must report persistent underground heat above 131 degrees to the state
Landfill owners must tell the state recycling department when underground gas or waste temperatures stay above 131 degrees Fahrenheit over a large area. The state can order a corrective action plan and fine up to $100,000 a day, with fines going to affected counties.
Large coal terminals need a full environmental impact report before approval
Facilities built to handle, store or export over 5 million short tons of coal a year need a full environmental impact report before first approval, and an old report can't be reused if the coal type or amount changes. Recent pending approvals are covered too.
Large cold storage warehouses need an emergency fund before getting building permits
Cities and counties can't issue building permits for large cold storage warehouses unless the owner or operator sets up an emergency fund. At first this applies only in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. Boyle Heights fire settlement payments are free of state income tax.
Large data centers must report energy use to the state Energy Commission
Owners of data centers of 10 megawatts or more must give the Energy Commission their location, size, power usage effectiveness and generator fuel use, which it publishes in aggregate. Permit applicants must tell local agencies expected energy use and noise. Public and utility sites are exempt.
Large employers' pay data reports expand from 10 job categories to 23
Private employers with 100 or more workers must sort employees into 23 job categories instead of 10 in their annual pay data report to the Civil Rights Department. Demographic data gathered for the report must be kept apart from personnel records.
Large group health plans must cover scalp cooling to limit chemotherapy hair loss
Large group health plans and policies issued, amended or renewed under the new rule must cover prescribed scalp cooling to reduce chemotherapy hair loss, with cost sharing no worse than for other cancer supportive care. Medi-Cal adds it if federal funding and approval allow.
Large nonresidential buildings face higher local fines for safety violations
Local fines for health and safety violations at nonresidential buildings of 20,000 square feet or more can reach $1,000, rising to $5,000 for repeats. In Los Angeles County, a violation that causes a disaster declaration can draw up to $50,000, except at offices, schools, stores and institutions.
Large power companies must study power surges that damage customers' property
The utilities commission must order each large electric utility to study voltage incidents that damaged customer equipment or property by $5,000 or more, including causes and how claims are handled. The commission then posts the studies and reports to the Legislature.
Late campaign and ethics filings get new caps on fines
The $10-a-day late fine for an original statement of economic interests is capped at $100. For other campaign reports, the cap is the total amount reported or $100, whichever is more, and late copies no longer draw a fine.
Law spells out that local aid to undocumented residents is a public benefit under federal law
Cities, counties and hospital districts were already allowed to aid residents barred by federal immigration rules. The law now says this is a state or local public benefit as federal welfare law defines it, including health care and other services.
Lawyers can't charge clients interest on loans; steep penalties for case runners
Attorneys who lend or advance clients money need a separate written contract listing the amount, terms and fees, and may not charge interest, or face a $15,000 penalty. Lawyer runners and cappers face $25,000 penalties, and retaliating against people who report lawyer misconduct is banned.
Lawyers may not hand legal work to AI and must check every citation it produces
Attorneys may not delegate the practice of law to generative AI, must keep confidential client data out of AI systems others can access, and must verify AI output and tell the court they used it. Arbitrators may not let AI decide cases.
Lead county must share local measure text and analysis with other counties within 24 hours
In district elections that cross county lines, the lead county must set deadlines for the measure text and impartial analysis with the other counties, and send them the text, analysis and chosen arguments within 24 hours of getting them.
Leftover state recycling money can pay for clean glass made into non-bottle products
The recycling department may use money left at year end, after regular glass payments, to pay up to $30 a ton for clean, color-sorted glass used in California to make products other than beverage containers. Bottle-to-bottle glass still earns up to $60.
Legal notices must also run free online on the newspaper's website
Public notices the law requires in a newspaper of general circulation must now appear in print and on the paper's website or e-edition. Newspapers can't charge readers to see those notices online or add a fee for posting them, though other content can stay paywalled.
Lenders may pay interest on held home insurance payouts directly to borrowers
Lenders holding home insurance payouts in a loss draft account during repairs still owe at least 2 percent interest, but may now pay it to the borrower directly instead of crediting the account. Uncashed interest checks are canceled after 90 days and credited back.
Licensed adult drug and alcohol treatment homes must have a suicide prevention plan
Licensed adult residential alcohol and drug recovery facilities must develop a suicide prevention plan, and certified alcohol and drug programs must add one to their operations manual. The state may enforce this through letters until it writes regulations.
Life and disability insurers barred from using genetic tests to deny or price coverage
Life and disability insurers cannot deny, limit or price coverage on genetic tests, or ask for genetic information. The exception: results in a medical record, not from a direct-to-consumer test, used with consent only to rule out a risk. Full genomes are off limits.
Limits on local bans of solar-powered security fences no longer expire
The rule that cities and counties can't ban low-voltage, solar battery-powered electric security fences on industrial and commercial storage lots no longer has an end date. A planned switch to a rule allowing local bans is repealed.
Local agencies can file ballot measure resolutions with just the county elections office
A city or district putting a measure on a statewide ballot can file its resolution with just the county elections official, if that official passes it to the supervisors or has standing approval. Elections officials can also canvass the results.
Local governments cannot add their own building rules for factory-built housing
Cities, counties and districts cannot impose local building standards on factory-built housing that go beyond or differ from the state building code, unless a city or county files findings that local climate, geology or terrain requires a change.
Local groundwater fees can exempt small household well users
Local governments, including groundwater sustainability agencies, that charge fees for groundwater monitoring or management may exempt de minimis extractors, such as small household wells, after making findings that others get the direct benefit. The law says it restates existing law.
Local health officers may track birth conditions and order providers to report them
Local health officers may run programs to track health conditions present in a child's first 12 months and may order providers and labs in their area to report or share records. The records are confidential and barred from use in court, including criminal cases.
Local news outlets get a refundable state tax credit for each in-state journalist
Local news outlets can claim a refundable credit of $20,000 per full-time California journalist for up to five, $15,000 for each one beyond that and $7,500 per part-timer, plus $15,000 more for each new position. Nonprofit outlets can claim it too.
Local permit fees for factory-built homes are capped at half the site-built rate
Cities and counties may not charge permit fees for a factory-built home above half the fee for a similar site-built home unless they document higher costs. Once state rules exist, buyers may pay a private agency for installation inspections instead, and the local agency then charges no inspection fee.
Local rules can't block shops or offices in by-right housing on commercial corridors
For mixed-income housing approved by right along commercial corridors under the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act, local objective standards may not ban or limit mixed-use projects that combine homes with office, retail, restaurant or other zoned uses.
Local water and sewer rates can use customer classes instead of exact per-parcel costs
Local agencies can show a property fee matches the cost of service using any reasonable method backed by data. For water and sewer, they can set uniform or tiered rates by customer class without measuring each parcel's exact cost. Connection and capacity fees are excluded.
Longer prison terms for hit-and-run drivers with a recent DUI conviction
Drivers who flee an injury crash within 10 years of a DUI, alcohol-related reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter conviction can get two to four years in state prison. If the crash kills or badly hurts someone, the prison range rises to three to five years.
Low carbon transit grants limited to bus, rail and ferry service, fare subsidies and fare tech
Transit agencies receiving Low Carbon Transit Operations Program money may spend it only on keeping or expanding bus, rail or ferry service, fare subsidies and network or fare integration technology. Agencies submit a list of funded services before getting money, replacing the old state guidelines.
Malpractice suits against outdoor-space architects and geologists need an expert certificate
Lawyers suing architects licensed for outdoor spaces, geologists or geophysicists for professional negligence must file a certificate that an expert found the case meritorious, as already required for architects, engineers and surveyors. The expert consulted must be licensed in California, not just any state.
Many criminal court fees repealed and unpaid balances wiped out
Many fees tied to criminal cases, such as charges for court-ordered community service, house arrest, jail medical care and traffic fine payment plans, are repealed, and unpaid balances of most can no longer be collected. People sentenced to prison or jail owe no trial court fees for that conviction.
Martinez can lease its state tidelands for up to 66 years, up from 49
The City of Martinez may now lease the shoreline trust lands the state granted it for up to 66 years instead of 49, or longer if the State Lands Commission finds that is in the state's interest. The city pays for any study the commission needs.
Mass layoff notices must say when AI or automation is replacing the jobs
Employers giving Cal/WARN mass layoff notices for cuts caused largely by AI or automation must list the jobs affected, the job functions being automated and the type of technology, and label it a technology displacement. The state jobs agency posts summaries of these notices.
Meat and poultry license fees no longer expire, and mobile farmers' markets can get grants
License and renewal fees for meat processors, custom slaughterhouses, poultry plants and their inspectors, which were set to end, now stay with no end date. Certified mobile farmers' markets can get state nutrition incentive grants, and county seed law funding runs longer.
Medi-Cal work rule gets more notice and time before anyone loses coverage
Counties must tell enrolled Medi-Cal adults about the work or community engagement rule and check conflicting data with them before denying or ending coverage, and people renewing stay covered through the 30-day period. The state may delay any change until the Legislature funds it.
Medical bills from lien-based providers are capped in rideshare crash lawsuits
In crash claims against rideshare and delivery app companies or their drivers, damages for care from lien-based providers are capped at the 70th percentile of local billed charges. Rideshare drivers face more disqualifying convictions and yearly background checks.
Mental health diversion requires a diagnosis or treatment from the past five years
Defendants seeking pretrial mental health diversion must show a mental disorder diagnosis or treatment from the last five years. The court must find they pose no substantial and undue risk to another person's physical safety and must explain any denial on the record.
Metal shredders need a new state permit outside hazardous waste law
Metal shredding facilities must hold a permit from the state toxics department under a new program separate from hazardous waste law, with annual inspections, cleanup plans and public meetings before permits are decided. A new annual fee replaces the old one.
Military dependents who reenroll keep in-state tuition after a parent's transfer
Students who are dependents of service members and return to a public college or university under reenrollment rights keep resident tuition status even if the service member has been transferred out of state or retired. Before, only continuously enrolled dependents kept it.
Minors' conversion therapy ban covers steering toward any orientation or gender identity
Licensed mental health providers may not try to steer a patient under 18 toward a set sexual orientation or gender identity, in either direction, or face discipline. Therapy that explores identity without a set outcome, or that respects the patient's gender identity, is excluded.
Mixed-use land can use a parcel map instead of a full subdivision map
The exception that lets some commercial and industrial tracts with approved street access file a parcel map instead of a tentative and final map now also covers land zoned for mixed use, including homes.
Mobilehome parks hit by disaster must update residents and let them back in to collect belongings
After a disaster damages a mobilehome park, management must try to send residents weekly updates for four weeks, then monthly, and let them in to collect belongings within 7 days of evacuation orders easing. Before closing the park, management must weigh rebuilding costs and aid.
Mobilehome parks must spell out the rule and facts in violation notices
Before a mobilehome park can count a rule violation toward ending a tenancy, it must formally serve the homeowner a notice quoting each rule broken, giving the specific facts and saying what to do to comply.
Mobilehome parks that drop federal senior rules must still follow state law
If a mobilehome park operator stops following federal rules for a housing program, such as senior-housing age checks, it must still follow state and local mobilehome and senior park laws. A local agency may then do the age checks itself and inspect park records.
Money laundering crime now covers crypto, and police can get warrants to seize it
For a trial period, the state money laundering crime covers transactions using digital assets, and police or prosecutors can get warrants to seize crypto from exchanges, custodians or wallets. Prosecutors then have 180 days to start forfeiture, with seized funds going to victims first.
Montgomery GI Bill reservists can skip nonresident tuition at community colleges and Cal State
Students living in California who qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve program no longer pay nonresident tuition at community colleges and Cal State, joining four GI Bill programs already covered. Other federal eligibility rules still apply.
More guardians and conservators of small estates can skip filing court accountings
Courts may excuse a guardian or conservator from filing accountings when the estate, not counting the home, is worth under $30,000, up from $15,000, and monthly income other than public benefits is under $3,200, up from $2,000.
More resellers must report secondhand goods to the state database
Secondhand dealer rules now cover anyone in the business of buying, selling or pawning used goods, not only those for whom it is the main business, and cover more kinds of items. Coin dealers and goods from nonprofits or bulk donations are excluded.
Music and podcast streaming ads can't be louder than the content they run with
The ban on streaming ads that play louder than the content around them now covers music and podcast streaming services, not only video streaming. The law also states that user-generated video services count.
Mutual water companies can't bill shareholders' tenants and must give notice of big rate hikes
Mutual water companies may not bill most tenants of their shareholders for water. Companies running public water systems must post a written plan and give 45 days' notice before a public meeting on any assessment or water rate increase over 20%.
National Guard troops from other states need the Governor's permission to enter California
Military personnel from another state may not come into California to do military or law enforcement work for that state without the Governor's permission. Troops called into federal service, training exercises and compacts signed earlier are exempt.
Natural Resources Secretary takes over Williamson Act fee waivers, with a solar option
Cities and counties can no longer waive or defer the fee to cancel a Williamson Act farmland contract; the Natural Resources Secretary decides, including for solar farms in critically overdrafted basins with a community benefit agreement. Certified solar projects meeting both terms void the contract.
Neighbors lose the right to appeal map approvals for some urban housing projects
Interested persons can no longer appeal map decisions for housing projects on qualifying urban infill sites, though applicants, tenants and officials still can. The state Treasurer can join a joint powers authority to approve rental housing bonds a city or county refuses.
New California LLCs pay $400 instead of $800 in annual tax for their first year
Limited liability companies doing business in California pay a $400 annual tax for their first taxable year instead of $800, for taxable years that begin over a three-year span. The law also extends the CalCompetes jobs tax credit by five years.
New state designation for colleges that serve Asian American and Pacific Islander students
A new state board can name campuses of the UC, CSU, community colleges and private colleges as California Asian American- and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions. The community colleges chancellor's office runs applications, and each designation lasts five years.
Next school health framework must consider adding heat illness lessons
When the Health Framework for California Public Schools is next revised, the Instructional Quality Commission must consider adding content on preventing heat illness and spotting and responding to its symptoms, using public health guidance and high school sports federation policies.
Next school health framework must consider lessons on sleep, nutrition and screen balance
When the state's health education framework for public schools is next revised, the Instructional Quality Commission must consider adding evidence-based lessons on nutrition, food literacy, sleep, movement, stress management and digital balance.
Nitrous oxide added to age-check rule, and online gift cards barred for guns, vapes and tobacco
Sellers of nitrous oxide must check buyers' age, and online sellers may not take gift cards or store credit for guns, ammunition, tobacco or vapes. Fines become a flat $7,500 per violation, not up to $7,500, and up to $250,000 for large businesses.
No sales of diet pills or weight-loss and muscle supplements to minors
Sellers may not sell or give over-the-counter diet pills or weight-loss or muscle-building supplements to anyone under 18 without a prescription. Stores must ask for ID when unsure of a buyer's age, online sellers must verify age, and fines run up to $500 per violation.
Nonprofit security grants can now pay for security at events
State security grants for nonprofits at high risk of hate attacks can now pay for security at the group's onsite and offsite events, with offsite events capped at $25,000. Groups without their own site can get offsite event money. It still depends on budget funding.
North Fork Kings groundwater agency can fine overpumping and place liens for unpaid fees
The North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency may impose civil penalties on people who pump more groundwater than its rules allow, and may record liens on their county property for unpaid charges, lasting 10 years and renewable.
Notaries may charge up to $20 per signature, with higher caps on other services
Maximum notary fees go up: $20 per signature for an acknowledgment, $20 for an oath, $20 to certify a power of attorney copy, and $35 plus $12 and $12 for a deposition. Vote by mail and veterans' benefit notarizations stay free.
Nucleic acid synthesis machine makers and suppliers must follow federal screening rules
Makers of benchtop nucleic acid synthesis machines and sellers of synthetic nucleic acids may produce or sell in California only if they follow the federal synthesis screening framework, attest to it and post that attestation online. Civil penalties reach $5,000 a day.
Nurse practitioners, midwives and PAs may perform abortions past the first trimester
Nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives and physician assistants authorized to perform abortions are no longer limited to the first trimester or to medication and aspiration methods. Nurse practitioners and midwives doing later procedural abortions must keep written plans for handing care to a physician.
Objections to a judge must be served on the judge at the courthouse during business hours
A party seeking to disqualify a judge must serve the written objection on the judge in person during regular business hours at the courthouse where the judge sits, or on the clerk or the clerk's designee while the judge is present.
Obstructing a state workplace safety investigation becomes a misdemeanor
Willfully blocking or interfering with state workplace safety inspectors becomes a misdemeanor. A willful safety violation that causes a serious injury, illness or exposure, not only death or lasting harm, is now a crime, and police and fire agencies must report serious workplace accidents to the district attorney.
Occupational therapy board continues and its limited permit fee is capped at $125
The state occupational therapy board, which was set to end, continues and must meet at least three times a year. Its limited permit fee is capped at $125, and license holders and applicants with an email address must give it to the board.
Officers and judges may not bar press or public from open court hearings
Judicial officers and police may not keep the press or public out of a courtroom or other place where an open court proceeding is held, except as needed to keep order. Violations may bring civil penalties under the state civil rights law.
Old state tax penalties and interest expire with the tax debt they belong to
Interest, penalties, costs and fees tied to a state income or corporate tax bill no longer count as separate tax debts. The Franchise Tax Board's 20-year collection window for them now closes at the same time as the window for the tax itself.
Older prisoners convicted of certain sex crimes must wait longer for elderly parole
People sentenced for specified sex crimes, such as child sexual assault or crimes with several victims, qualify for elderly parole only at 65 after 25 years served, instead of 50 after 20. Their previously scheduled elderly parole hearings are canceled and their dates recalculated.
Online platforms can't give users under 16 addictive feeds or autoplay
Websites and apps where addictive feeds or autoplay are a significant part of the service may not offer those features to users under 16 and must check ages first. Knowing violations carry penalties up to $50,000 per affected minor, enforced by state and local prosecutors.
Online services likely used by children must take reasonable steps to prevent harm to them
A new law replaces the state's Age-Appropriate Design Code. Sites and apps likely used by kids under 18 must set high privacy defaults and take reasonable steps against foreseeable harm, and a child can void contract terms agreed to because of a design feature.
Only certain licensed contractors may remove hazardous disaster debris
After a declared disaster, only general engineering, general building, earthwork, demolition and (for tree work only) tree contractors may remove debris with hazardous materials, including ash and muck out. They must pass a hazardous substance exam and follow state hazardous waste work rules.
Only the Attorney General can sue websites and apps over pen register tracking claims
Private people can no longer sue a business under the state's pen register and trap and trace law for conduct on websites or apps; only the Attorney General can. The limit also applies to pending claims in cases filed within the prior two years.
Only the authoring doctor may edit a physician's patient notes, with few exceptions
A physician's patient notes, after-visit summaries and treatment plans are that doctor's responsibility and may not be changed by anyone else, except a scribe or assistant acting for the doctor, a doctor who took over care, or a supervising doctor.
Operating systems and apps can't undo a user's privacy settings without consent
Operating systems and apps may not reverse privacy settings a user chose without the user's consent, unless a law, court order or subpoena requires it. Companies may still drop services or privacy options if protections stay the same or improve.
Organized theft of metal from utility and railroad property becomes its own crime
Working with others to steal, receive or possess metal taken from utility, railroad and similar infrastructure covered by metal theft laws, or organizing thefts, is organized metal theft. Organizers, and anyone with two or more offenses in 12 months totaling over $950, risk felony charges.
Owner-occupant buyers lose post-foreclosure bidding rights; tenants and nonprofits keep them
After a foreclosure sale of a home with one to four units, only tenants and community bidders such as nonprofits keep the right to outbid the buyer; owner-occupant buyers lose it. Officials may seek a penalty of one-third of the home's value from ineligible bidders.
Owners of all-affordable tax credit housing may decline to renew high-income leases
In tax credit buildings reserved entirely for lower income households, owners may refuse to renew a lease after a household earns over 140% of area median income two years running, if 30% of its income tops fair market rent. Owners must give 90 days' notice.
Owners of disaster-wrecked homes can pause mortgage payments for up to a year
Borrowers whose home of up to four units became uninhabitable in a federally declared disaster can ask for forbearance within six months. Servicers must offer 180 days, extendable to 12 months, with no late fees or default interest, and report the loan as current.
Owners of seized farm goods get 3 months, not 6, to claim the sale money
When a county agricultural commissioner sells a seized crop or other farm commodity that isn't returned, the owner now has at least 3 months, down from 6, to prove ownership and claim the money before it goes to the county.
Owners pay care costs for animals seized under any California law
Owners already owe the cost of seizing and caring for animals taken for neglect or under a warrant. That now covers animals seized under any California law, and an animal can be deemed abandoned if the owner doesn't pay and pick it up within 14 days.
Paid petition circulators must tell signers out loud that they are paid
Paid signature gatherers must tell each person out loud, before handing over a petition, that they are paid to circulate it. Recall petitions against a superior court judge in places with 50,000 or more voters are due in 120 days instead of 160.
Paid social posters and campaigns now share penalties for missing ad disclaimers
People paid by a campaign committee to post content for or against a candidate or ballot measure lose their exemption from penalties if they leave off the required disclaimer; they and the committee are jointly liable. Committees must flag these payments on campaign reports.
Parents can meet a teacher by phone or video if they can't come in person
Parents, guardians and educational rights holders who can't attend a meeting in person about their child have the right to talk with the teacher by phone or a school-approved video platform. These meetings may not be recorded or transcribed.
Parents can safely surrender babies up to 30 days old, up from 72 hours
California's safe-surrender law, which lets a parent or lawful custodian hand a baby to staff at a hospital or designated site without being prosecuted for abandonment, now covers babies up to 30 days old instead of 72 hours.
Parents' lawyers must be told of confirmed abuse in their child's foster placement
When a county welfare agency confirms abuse or neglect in a foster or group home placement, or removes a child from one for it, it must notify the parents' dependency attorney, the tribe for an Indian child, and attorneys for other children in that placement.
Parole mental health commitment must weigh a prisoner's illness-related violence
When judging whether a prisoner with a severe mental health disorder is a substantial danger to others, evaluators must consider, among other things, any history of violence tied to the disorder. Courts may hold challenge hearings in the county of commitment if all sides agree.
Partnerships and LLCs running salons need a license, and apprentice sponsors need approval
Partnerships and LLCs that run barbershops or salons must get an establishment license, and a corporation or LLC not in good standing with the Secretary of State has its license suspended. Apprenticeship sponsors need board approval and may charge only for textbooks and basic equipment.
Patients must be told a chaperone is available for sensitive ultrasound exams
Providers offering sonographer ultrasounds of the genitals, breasts, rectum or groin must tell patients a medical chaperone is available on request and record when one is present. They must train staff who act as chaperones and can decline the exam without one.
Peer support specialists no longer need a high school diploma for certification
People applying for county peer support specialist certification for Medi-Cal mental health services no longer need a high school diploma or equivalent. The other rules, including being at least 18, stay.
Penalties for blocking attorney visits cover prisoners held in hospitals
The law already punishes an officer who refuses to let an attorney visit a prisoner. It now spells out that this covers prisoners held in a jail, prison, hospital or other medical setting: a misdemeanor, plus $500 owed to the person harmed.
Penalties rise for public works contractors who shortchange workers
The top penalty for underpaying prevailing wages on public works rises to $280 per worker per day, with other penalties also raised, and the yearly contractor registration fee cap goes from $800 to $1,000. Penalties collected go to a fund for state enforcement staff.
Penalty for employers who again fail to file pay data reports rises to $1,000 per worker
The civil penalty for a repeat failure to file the state pay data report rises from up to $200 to up to $1,000 per employee. The Civil Rights Department must also publish each year how many pay data reports were filed.
Penalty for filing a false lien or lawsuit to harass someone triples to $15,000
Knowingly filing a false lawsuit, lien or other encumbrance to harass someone carries a civil penalty of up to $15,000, up from $5,000, and liens include financing statements. People named in an unauthorized financing statement can file an affidavit to have it terminated.
People adopted abroad can file their own readoption to get a California birth record
An adoptee of any age may petition to be readopted in California when both the adoptive parents and the agency failed to file. Courts may waive missing documents if the adoptee proves identity, that the papers can't be obtained, and the basic facts.
People bringing guns into California must get a safety certificate within 180 days
Personal firearm importers get 180 days instead of 60 to report a gun brought into the state, and must get a firearm safety certificate in that time or face an infraction. Later, certificate applicants must first take a 4-hour course with live fire.
People convicted of felony sexual assault or human trafficking can't run for office
A person convicted of a felony involving sexual assault or human trafficking, in California or elsewhere, can't be a candidate for or be elected to any state or local office unless pardoned. Bribery, embezzlement of public money and perjury were already disqualifying.
People in civil suits can screen their medical records before the other side gets them
If all parties agree, a person whose medical and personal records are sought in a civil suit can review them for privacy and relevance first. Lawyers who refer a potential client while actively representing clients, in certain cases, are not a lawyer referral service.
People who sue to stop public university student housing may have to post a bond
Courts may order people who sue to block student housing owned by a public university to post a bond covering delay costs, if the suit appears meritless and brought in bad faith or to delay. The rule already covered affordable housing projects.
People with serious mental illness leaving jail are presumed eligible for intensive county care
People with serious mental illness who are unsheltered, leaving six months or more in jail, prison or locked treatment, or held five times on psychiatric holds in five years are presumed eligible for full-service partnerships, if a clinician recommends it and space and funding allow.
Pharmacists may swap in biosimilar biologic drugs, and plans may require a cheaper biosimilar
Pharmacists may substitute a biosimilar, not only an interchangeable product, for a prescribed biologic unless the prescriber writes "Do not substitute." Plans and insurers may make a stable patient try a cheaper biosimilar if cost sharing is the same or less, with 60 days' notice.
Pharmacists must tell the prescriber about emergency refills only if one is known
When a pharmacist refills a prescription without the prescriber's approval because the prescriber cannot be reached, the pharmacist now has to notify the prescriber only if a prescriber is identified. Telling the patient is still required.
Phones and computers must ask a user's age at setup and pass an age signal to apps
Operating system makers must ask for the user's birth date or age at account setup and send apps an age-range signal. App developers must request the signal when their app is downloaded and launched, and the Attorney General enforces civil penalties.
Physical therapy board continues and some license fees rise
The state physical therapy board, which was set to end, continues. Some fees and caps rise, with renewal at $300 and a $600 cap, and the board may not hear reinstatement petitions from registered sex offenders unless the registration stems only from a misdemeanor.
Plasma centers keep their license through a staff change if they report it quickly
A plasma center's license is no longer automatically revoked when its person in charge of biologics production changes, if the owner tells the state within 5 days and applies within 30. Paid donors may use photo ID from another state, federal agency or tribe.
Platforms must offer a visible abuse-image reporting tool and human review of reports
Social media platforms' reporting tool for child sexual abuse material must be clear and conspicuous, cover intimate images of identifiable minors and take reports from anyone, not just the person shown. Reports with no known hash match need human review; penalties reach $250,000 a day.
Plug-in balcony solar panels skip utility approval and fees
Plug-in solar devices up to 1,200 watts per home that meet electrical codes and safety certification need no utility interconnection approval, extra equipment or fees. Utilities may ask only for a simple online registration of the device.
Police and first responders may drive off-highway vehicles up to 5 miles on roads
First responders, not only peace officers, may use off-highway vehicles in emergencies. Both may drive them up to 5 miles on highways to reach recreation areas or patrol spots, but only where the local government has adopted a public policy allowing it.
Police and sheriffs must adopt written policies for serving gun-related restraining orders
City police, sheriffs, the Highway Patrol and UC and Cal State police must adopt written policies for serving and enforcing protective and restraining orders that limit firearm access, including a standard process for serving the restrained person on time.
Police can't block or delay medical care for people in their control
Officers may not deny, delay or obstruct medical evaluation or treatment for someone under their control, other than state prison inmates, when it is safe and a medical professional has been called or is there and willing to help. Denials when a medic is present must be documented within 72 hours.
Police can't use undercover agents to question people held for crimes done as minors
Undercover officers and police agents may not seek statements from people in custody under 26 who were 17 or younger at the time of the crime. Courts must weigh willful violations in judging officer credibility. Questions to stop an imminent threat to life are exempt.
Police in California, including federal agents, may not use wearable electroshock devices
Law enforcement agencies in California, including federal ones, may not use wearable electroshock devices, and no agency may buy them with state funds. Agencies must add the ban to their use-of-force policies, and the state Justice Department must study the devices.
Police may offer voluntary temporary storage for people's guns
Local law enforcement agencies may set up programs where gun owners hand over firearms for temporary safekeeping. The agency checks the gun isn't stolen, confirms the owner may legally have it back, and destroys guns left unclaimed past its holding period.
Political ads may shorten top donor names and use a shorter candidate disclaimer
Political ads may shorten top contributor names with approved abbreviations, and large signs and billboards over 187 square inches must separate those names with bullets or numbers. Independent expenditure ads now say "Not paid for by candidate" instead of a longer statement.
Porn sites must take care to keep off nonconsensual and child sexual content
Sites that post user-uploaded sexually explicit content must use ordinary care to keep off material showing minors or people who did not consent, and uploaders must certify age and consent under penalty of perjury. Victims can sue for actual damages or up to $75,000 per violation, plus punitive damages.
Posing as a licensed bail agent to solicit bail becomes a crime
Pretending to be a licensed bail agent while soliciting bail, by phone, text, email or in person, is a crime carrying the bail law's penalties. So is hiring someone to solicit bail when the hirer knew or should have known they were posing as one.
Power companies must plan removal of abandoned transmission lines and staff emergency centers
Electric utilities' wildfire plans must list all transmission facilities, including permanently abandoned ones, with a plan and timeline for removing each. Some utilities must assign liaisons to local emergency operations centers, and regulators must order abandoned lines removed.
Prenatal vitamin makers must test for heavy metals and post the results
Makers of prenatal multivitamins sold in California must test every lot for arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury at a qualified lab. Brand owners must post results by lot online, with a package and web page notice pointing buyers to them.
Prescribed tube-feeding nutrition products can be delivered straight to patients' homes
Pharmacists, manufacturers and wholesalers may deliver enteral nutrition products, medical foods for people who cannot fully use regular food, directly to a patient's home under a valid prescriber order and with pharmacist services.
Presidential nominees must be certified as eligible under the two-term limit
Parties and independent and write-in campaigns must certify under penalty of perjury that their presidential and vice presidential nominees can be elected President under the Twenty-Second Amendment. Without that certification, the nominees' names stay off the California ballot.
Prisons can't unreasonably limit hugs, hand holding and other touch during visits
State prison visiting rules may not unreasonably restrict nonsexual contact such as hugs, hand holding, holding one's children and brief kisses. Before ending a visit or writing up a minor contact violation, staff must give a clear warning and a chance to stop.
Private college oversight law is extended, with new reporting duties for schools
The state law regulating private colleges and trade schools, which was set to end, is extended and tightened. Schools must report bankruptcies, felony charges and certain lawsuits, some fees rise, and commercial driver training programs lose the small-program exemption.
Private detention facility stores capped at a 35% markup over vendor cost
Commissaries at privately run, for-profit detention facilities, including online stores and contractor-run canteens, may not sell any item for more than 35% above what was paid to the vendor.
Probation and child welfare agencies may issue work permits to foster and court-ward teens
County probation departments may issue work permits to juvenile court wards, and county child welfare agencies may issue them to dependent children of the court, when the job is in the minor's best interest. Schools and employers must accept these permits.
Process servers must try three times and add photos and GPS to eviction service proof
Servers must try personal delivery three times, on different days and times, before leaving papers with someone else. Eviction service proofs need a photo with a GPS time stamp, county server registers become public, and people not properly served can ask to undo a default.
Program giving some tribal police state peace officer powers becomes permanent
The program that lets officers from up to three federally recognized tribes act as California peace officers, which was set to end, now has no end date and drops pilot from its name. It runs only if the Legislature funds it.
Property tax valuation rule for pipeline rights-of-way extended five more years
A rule that presumes county assessors' values for intercounty pipeline rights-of-way are correct, when set by a fixed base-year method, was due to end and now runs five more tax years.
Prosecutors may seek adult court for some youths resentenced into juvenile court
Prosecutors may ask to move a case back to adult criminal court when someone charged with certain serious offenses committed at 14 or 15 was convicted as an adult and is now being resentenced in juvenile court. The juvenile court decides after a probation report.
Prosecutors must explain skipping charges that block mental health diversion
If the facts support an uncharged crime that bars mental health diversion, prosecutors must say on the record why and whether they consulted the victim. If the Justice Department finds an elected official committed a listed sex crime against a minor and prosecution is appropriate, it must charge within 30 days.
Public agencies can withhold no more than 5% from architect and engineer payments
On design-bid-build contracts signed directly with architecture or engineering firms, public agencies may hold back no more than 5% of each payment as retention, unless a complex project justifies more. Retention must be released within 60 days after the firm finishes its services.
Public guardians must confirm referrals within 2 business days and finish their investigations
County public guardians, who already must start investigating a conservatorship or guardianship referral within 2 business days, must now acknowledge it in that time and finish within a reasonable period, deciding whether a temporary or general conservatorship is warranted.
Public officials can't issue meme coins, and platforms can't list officials' new ones
State and local public officers, and public employees who control contracts, may not issue meme coins. Crypto platforms may not list for Californians a meme coin issued from this date on that is offered by or with a federal, state or local official.
Public records deadlines now count business days, not calendar days
Agencies now have 10 business days, instead of 10 calendar days, to tell a requester whether they hold disclosable public records, and may extend that by up to 14 business days instead of 14 days.
Public works bidders must disclose wage violations from the past five years
Contractors bidding on local public works must disclose any final wage and hour violations from the past five years, with proof they were resolved, or risk disqualification. Local agencies must offer an appeal. Projects with labor agreements or prequalification are exempt.
Rancho Mirage's tax revenue exchange no longer reduces its Tax Equity Allocation
County auditors no longer subtract property tax revenue that the City of Rancho Mirage exchanged with a community services district when they calculate the city's Tax Equity Allocation payment. The change shifts property tax shares among local agencies in the county.
Rape shield rules now apply to sex crime cases from jails and prisons
In sex crime prosecutions, the limits on using a victim's sexual history, both the hearing needed to attack their credibility with it and the ban on using it to prove consent, now also apply when the offense happened in a jail or prison.
Recycling department must let cities count biomethane toward organic waste buying goals
The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery must amend its rules so cities and counties can count pipeline biomethane made only from organic waste kept out of landfills toward their recovered organic waste buying targets.
Recycling fee on boxed wine and spirits capped at 12 cents per container
The state recycling processing fee on bag-in-box wine and spirits containers is capped at 12 cents per container. Producers who paid the fee at the old rate may get a credit against upcoming fees, and the state may cover any shortfall in recycler payments.
Regional climate transportation plans move to an eight-year cycle, phased in plan by plan
Metropolitan planning organizations will prepare their sustainable communities strategy every eight years with a four-year progress report, starting with their first or second regional plan adopted after a set date; until then the four-year cycle continues. Some state transportation funds must match these plans.
Regional housing need allocations must start earlier before each housing element
Cities and counties that want to share out housing need as a subregion must form it at least 34 months before a housing element revision, up from 28, and regional councils must draft allocation methods six months earlier. Some councils' current cycle is exempt.
Released sexually violent predators can't be placed within a quarter mile of day care
For people with a history of sexual misconduct with children, conditional release placements can't be within a quarter mile of a day care center, on top of the existing school limit. A day care or private school opening later doesn't break an existing placement.
Religious holiday absences are excused without a parent note or principal's approval
Students must be excused from school to observe a holiday or ceremony of their religion. Before, this counted only as a personal reason that a parent had to request in writing and the principal had to approve.
Religious private schools can take special education placements but may not teach them religion
Private schools serving special education students no longer have to be nonsectarian, but public money cannot pay for religious instruction and placed students cannot receive it. The schools face new background check, credential and incident reporting rules.
Renewing notaries must pass the written exam and may sign with an electronic signature
Notaries seeking reappointment must pass the state written exam as well as the refresher course, and may sign certificates, oaths and affidavits with a protected electronic signature that matches their handwritten one. The permit fee for notary seal makers is set at $100.
Rental listings with digitally altered photos must say so and show the original
Anyone advertising a rental with a digitally altered image must label it as altered next to the image and include the unaltered version or a link to it. Renderings not made with a camera are exempt from the original photo rule.
Rented vehicles used by police to arrest or transport people must carry agency decals
Privately owned vehicles rented or furnished to any federal, state or local law enforcement agency for detaining, arresting or transporting people must show a temporary decal with the agency's name and logo on the front doors. Exceptions cover undercover, plainclothes, SWAT and emergency use.
Repeat sexual battery, indecent exposure and child molesting cases can be tried in one county
When sexual battery, indecent exposure, or annoying or molesting a child happens more than once across counties, all counts can be tried where any one occurred, even with different victims, if every district attorney involved agrees in writing.
Resale sites can't sell tee times at public golf courses without the course's OK
Third-party booking sites may not list or sell tee times at golf courses owned by cities, counties or special districts without a written deal with the operator. A golfer may resell at cost only if the course doesn't clearly post its cancellation policy.
Reselling restaurant reservations for more than their cost is banned
No one may sell or transfer a restaurant reservation, or help someone do it, for more than they paid for it unless the restaurant agrees in writing. Prosecutors can seek penalties up to $1,000 per violation, and people harmed can sue.
Restaurants must unwrap vacuum-packed frozen fish before thawing it
Retail food facilities must take reduced-oxygen packaged fish labeled keep frozen fully out of its packaging before thawing. The law also redefines catering operations and adds definitions such as egg product and mechanically tenderized meat.
Retailers can hire certified architects or engineers to speed up remodel permits
For interior remodels in existing retail stores, local building departments must let the applicant pay a licensed architect or engineer to certify the plans meet code, and must approve or deny a complete application within 20 business days. Restaurants and fast food are excluded.
Retirement communities may repay entrance fees in the order contracts end
Continuing care retirement communities may offer contracts that refund entrance fees in the order contracts end, paid from new contracts, rather than after a unit resells. Providers must keep a repayment account, disclose past wait times, and pay within 14 days once money is there.
Retiring judges can name a pension beneficiary who isn't their spouse
Judges in the Judges' Retirement System II who retire from this date can have pension payments continue after death to any beneficiary they name, spouse or not, subject to spousal property rights. Spouse benefits after a death in office no longer need 20 years' service.
Rice Commission's purpose now includes keeping rice fields for wildlife habitat
State law now says the California Rice Commission is also needed to keep enough rice acreage planted each year to support the state's wildlife habitat goals. Its existing marketing and research roles stay the same.
Rideshare driver union cases can be appealed to state appeals courts
Parties to an unfair practice case under the rideshare driver bargaining law can ask a state court of appeal to review the labor board's final decision within 30 days. After that, the board can go to court to enforce its orders.
Rural transportation projects presumed to pass the driving-miles test in environmental review
A public road, transit or rail project with at least 70% of its area in nonmetropolitan counties is presumed to have a less than significant vehicle-miles impact, unless it adds general purpose lanes to a state highway without a safety or evacuation need.
Sacramento transit board members get $200 a meeting, paid for up to three a month
Sacramento Regional Transit District board members are paid $200 for each noticed board meeting they attend, up from $100. Paid meetings are capped at three a month instead of four.
San Bernardino County gets an independent commission to draw supervisor districts
If the Legislature funds it, a 14-member citizens commission, not the Board of Supervisors, will redraw San Bernardino County supervisor district lines. The commission must follow set criteria and the existing deadlines for county redistricting.
San Diego port can use job order contracts for repair work in a pilot
The San Diego Unified Port District may award competitively bid job order contracts for repair, remodeling and other repeat work, capped at $5 million per contract and $1 million per job order. Contractors must follow the district's project labor agreements.
San Diego transit sales tax may go on the ballot by voter initiative
A San Diego Metropolitan Transit System sales tax of up to 0.5 percent, which the transit board alone placed on the ballot, may now also be put there by voter initiative. That tax no longer counts toward the county's 2 percent combined cap.
San Francisco's redevelopment successor may extend Transbay funding pledges
The agency winding down San Francisco's former redevelopment agency already may borrow to pay for Transbay infrastructure. That power now expressly includes deals with the Transbay Joint Powers Authority and the city to extend how long sale proceeds and tax increment are pledged.
San Mateo County cities may ban kids under 12 from class 1 and 2 e-bikes
Cities in San Mateo County, and the county in unincorporated areas, may ban riders under 12 from class 1 and class 2 e-bikes. Riders get warnings for the first 60 days, then a $25 fine that parents share and that a safety course can clear.
Santa Clara Valley transit agency can build housing for its employees and the public
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority can buy property and build affordable rental housing for its workers and for-sale homes that favor them, with some units open to the public. It must report to the Legislature each year.
Santa Cruz County restaurants can get up to 12 new neighborhood-only full liquor licenses
The state may issue up to five neighborhood-restricted full liquor licenses a year, 12 in all, to restaurants in listed Santa Cruz County census tracts. The licenses can't be sold for more than their fee or moved to another county.
School construction contracts during class hours must keep strangers off campus
School districts, county offices of education and charter schools must put security terms in contracts for construction or repair work done on a school site during school hours, limiting access to the work area and keeping unauthorized people off school grounds.
School districts must flag incomplete transfer requests within 30 days under new deals
Districts with interdistrict transfer agreements signed from this date must adopt and post a policy that includes telling parents within 30 days what an incomplete transfer request is missing. Parents can also send a request to both districts at once.
School employees and contractors are defined as natural persons in state education law
The Education Code now defines a public school employee, such as a teacher, counselor, principal or school nurse, and a contractor performing services in a public school as a natural person.
School meal program purchases no longer have to treat price as the main factor
School districts buying food and supplies for federal child nutrition programs no longer must make price the primary factor when awarding bids. Awards still go to the most responsive and responsible bidder, under federal purchasing standards.
School resource officers who give naloxone are shielded from most lawsuits
School resource officers who give an opioid overdose reversal drug at school cannot be sued or prosecuted for it except for gross negligence or willful misconduct. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, they must take overdose response training and repeat it every two years.
School-run child care programs can stock emergency albuterol inhalers
Rules for filling emergency stock albuterol inhaler orders now also cover child care programs run by or contracting with school districts, county offices and charter schools. Pharmacies may furnish the inhalers on a prescriber's written order, and wholesalers or distributors may also fill them.
Schools and colleges get new ways to sell or donate old computers and tech
School districts, community colleges and county education offices may declare old technology surplus and sell it at auction, by sealed bid, through trade-in programs or negotiated sale, or donate it. They must first adopt policies, including protecting student and staff data.
Schools must share any credible misconduct complaints when vetting staff hires
Schools checking a noncertificated or private school job applicant must share and ask about any credible complaints, investigations or discipline for egregious misconduct, not only substantiated cases. Schools must investigate such complaints, and contracts must require background checks of contractor staff who work with students.
Schools with JROTC must let homeschooled students in their area join
School districts, county offices of education and charter schools that offer a JROTC program must admit homeschooled pupils living in their attendance area who meet every other eligibility rule, as federal law already requires. The state Education Department must post JROTC information and yearly guidance.
Secretary of State can close inactive campaign committees after 180 days' notice
If a campaign committee has filed no report for a year and holds little cash, or registered in error, the Secretary of State can send a notice and close it 180 days later unless the committee or the ethics commission objects.
Security guards may take skills training before their registration is issued
Security guard and proprietary security officer applicants who have finished the arrest and use-of-force course may now complete their security officer skills training before their registration is issued. Before, that training came after registration, within six months.
Seismic Safety Commission adds fire marshal, insurance and growth council members
The state Seismic Safety Commission adds representatives of the State Fire Marshal, the Department of Insurance and the Strategic Growth Council, and the Governor's appointees drop from 10 to 9. A quorum rises from 8 members to 9.
Sexual battery after entering a home without consent can be charged as a felony
Sexual battery committed after entering an occupied home, trailer or the lived-in part of a building without consent can bring two to four years in state prison and up to $10,000, or up to a year in county jail and $5,000. Before, simple sexual battery was always a misdemeanor.
Shield law for abortion and other protected care now covers patients anywhere
California's limits on arrests, subpoenas and cooperation with other states over legally protected care, such as abortion, now apply wherever the patient is. Police may not arrest someone the Governor refused to extradite, and financial firms must reject out-of-state records demands lacking a sworn statement.
Small claims and limited civil filing fee tiers rise to cover bigger claims
The $50 small claims filing fee now covers claims up to $6,250, up from $5,000, with $75 above that. The $205 civil filing fee applies to cases asking for $12,500 or less, up from $10,000.
Small forest owners can cover more land under long-term state harvest plans
The acreage cap for nonindustrial tree farmers rises from 2,500 to 4,000 acres, and for working forest landowners from 10,000 to 15,000 acres. Working forest plans no longer have to stay in one watershed area, and the southern coast district loses its exemption.
Small group and individual health plans may have to cover fertility care and hearing aids
If federal health officials approve California's new benchmark plan, individual and small group health plans must cover infertility treatment including IVF and egg and embryo storage, plus hearing exams and aids and equipment such as wheelchairs, CPAP machines and hospital beds.
Small municipal utility districts may offer prepaid electric service
Municipal utility districts with under 100,000 customers may offer homes an opt-in prepaid electricity option, with low-balance alerts 10 days and 24 hours before shutoff and the right to return to standard billing. Prepay customers get no delinquency notice, and customers may choose electronic notices.
Social media platforms must show black box mental health warnings to users
Covered social media platforms must show a black box mental health warning when a user first opens them each day, and a 30-second warning that can't be skipped after three hours of use, then hourly. Users reasonably found to be over 17 are exempt.
Social workers must seek emergency care for dependent children who urgently need it
A county social worker who sees that a child in the dependency system needs immediate emergency care must now take reasonable steps to get it, such as calling emergency services, and must tell an Indian child's tribe. Child welfare social workers are also defined as non-officers under the records-tampering law.
Some health care district hospitals may hire doctors directly
California generally bars hospitals from employing doctors. Health care district hospitals that got a state distressed hospital loan, or that along with their health system have over 75% Medicare and Medi-Cal patients, may now employ physicians and bill for their work if medical staff approve and doctors' judgment is left alone.
Sonoma County supervisors may grant retirees a yearly cost-of-living raise
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors may now approve a cost-of-living increase each year for county retirement and death allowances. First it must work with the retirement board on who gets it, the amount and the funding, backed by an actuary's cost statement.
Southern California employee benefit group health care pilot extended three years
A pilot letting providers take on financial risk under a large Southern California voluntary employees' beneficiary association now runs three extra years. The state must end it early if reports show serious problems that put enrollees at risk, and file an interim report with recommendations.
Special needs trusts count for parent-child home transfers that avoid property tax reassessment
A court-approved special needs trust now counts as a valid way to pass a home or family farm from parent to child, or in some cases grandparent to grandchild, under the exclusion that keeps the property from being reassessed.
Speed cameras must blur other drivers and pedestrians, and Long Beach gets two more
Speed cameras in the pilot cities must blur images of other drivers, vehicles and pedestrians caught in the frame, though cameras put in before the change only where feasible. Long Beach may add 2 cameras on Pacific Coast Highway.
State Fire Marshal takes over safety rules and fees for hydrogen pipelines
Pipelines that carry hydrogen come under a new State Fire Marshal safety program like the one for oil pipelines, with yearly inspections, pressure testing and annual operator fees. Willful violations carry fines up to $25,000, and owners of existing lines must file safety assessments.
State abortion grant program now covers care for veterans whose coverage excludes it
Medi-Cal providers can get state grants for abortion and contraception given free or at reduced cost to veterans whose coverage excludes abortion or who can't get it through the federal veterans health system, with no income limit.
State agencies can hire California tribes for service contracts without competitive bids
State service contracts with a federally recognized California tribe no longer need three competitive bids, and consulting contracts only a tribe can perform skip advertising and bidding. Tribes doing tribal cultural resources consulting can also bid on the follow-up work.
State agency officials can't use nondisclosure agreements on proposed rules or bills
Elected or appointed state agency officers may not sign, or ask others to sign, nondisclosure agreements about drafting or negotiating proposed regulations or legislation, and new ones are void. Agreements covering only trade secrets or private financial or proprietary information are exempt.
State air board must write a hydrogen sulfide response plan for exposed communities
The State Air Resources Board must develop a framework of best practices for handling hydrogen sulfide gas from natural and fugitive sources and for helping communities prepare for exposure events, with public workshops in the Tijuana River Valley and Salton Sea regions.
State and county fairs can't write service bids that only one bidder can win
Fairs may not issue bid invitations or requests for proposals for service contracts in a way that limits bidding to one bidder. Emergencies and live music bookings are exempt, and contracts awarded in violation are void.
State and local agencies must adopt the Attorney General's immigration enforcement policy
Every state and local agency must put in place the Attorney General's model policy on dealing with immigration authorities, or an equivalent policy. The Attorney General also issues guidance to limit how much information in agency databases is available for immigration enforcement.
State buildings can use Green Globes certification instead of LEED
New state buildings and major renovations over 10,000 square feet may earn Three Green Globes instead of LEED Gold, or Two Green Globes instead of LEED Silver. This covers projects whose design starts on or after the law's start date.
State civil rights office adds a disability discrimination coordinator for schools
The state Office of Civil Rights must hire a Disability Discrimination Prevention Coordinator and four deputy coordinators on anti-Black, anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander, anti-Latino and anti-Native American discrimination. Its coordinators must train school staff to prevent discrimination.
State colleges must report ideas for teaching students about democracy
The Cal State and community college chancellors must send the Legislature recommendations on building students' knowledge of American democracy and civic engagement on campus, along with any support they need from the Legislature. The University of California is asked, not required, to do the same.
State creates Outdoors for All program to widen access to parks and nature
The Natural Resources Agency must run an Outdoors for All initiative to create outdoor recreation spaces, connect people with nature and steer funding to those goals. It must update its strategy at least every 8 years and report to lawmakers each year.
State creates a wildfire home hardening loan program, if lawmakers fund it
The state clean energy financing authority must run a California Wildfire Resilience Loan Program to help property owners pay for home hardening, defensible space and smoke retrofits, with tools like loan loss reserves and interest rate buy-downs. It runs only if the Legislature funds it.
State disease registry adds frontotemporal dementia and runs four more years
The state health department's neurodegenerative disease registry, which requires doctors and hospitals to report cases, now also covers frontotemporal degeneration and other dementias, as long as funds are available. The registry law, which was set to expire, now runs four more years.
State ethics commission can extend disclosure filing deadlines after an emergency
The Fair Political Practices Commission can push back campaign and financial disclosure deadlines by up to 60 days for filers in an area under a declared emergency likely to delay their filing. Campaign statement deadlines can't be extended in the 90 days before an election.
State farm department may form advisory panels of farmers of color and small farmers
The Secretary of Food and Agriculture may set up two advisory committees, one for Black, Indigenous and other farmers of color and one for small-scale producers, made up of small and midsize socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
State fire agency to officially recognize communities that meet wildfire safety goals
The state forestry and fire department must create a voluntary program recognizing communities that reach set levels of home hardening, defensible space and other wildfire work. Recognized communities partnering with a fire safe council may later get Wildfire Prevention Grant money.
State grants for small business help centers get new eligibility and reporting rules
Small business technical assistance centers backed by a nonstate funding partner can qualify for state grants under one uniform set of rules, and centers with the same funder can apply together through one fiscal agent. All grantees follow the same performance metrics and reporting.
State hospitals must study transitional housing for released sexually violent predators
The State Department of State Hospitals must analyze whether transitional housing facilities for people on conditional release as sexually violent predators are feasible and beneficial, and report its findings to the Legislature.
State housing agency must post a form for school districts wanting to build housing
The Department of Housing and Community Development must post an online form that school districts and other local educational agencies can use to say they want to build housing on land they own. Agencies that do can ask the department for advice on early planning.
State housing department will help affordable housing owners cut insurance costs
The Department of Housing and Community Development must create a program offering technical help to affordable housing providers, such as analyzing risk and joining group insurance pools, to find cheaper coverage. It may hire outside consultants for the work.
State income tax return adds a donation line for spinal cord injury research
Individual taxpayers can give extra money through their state income tax return to a new California Spinal Cord Injury Research fund. The line is dropped early if yearly donations fall below a set minimum.
State income tax returns get a checkoff for donations to a sea otter fund
Individuals can donate part of a refund, or extra money, to a new California Sea Otter Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund on their state income tax return. The checkoff runs for a set number of years and ends early if donations fall short.
State job training grants favor groups run jointly by employers and unions
When the California Workforce Development Board awards high road training partnership grants, it must give a scoring preference to labor-management cooperation committees and to applicants working with one under written authorization. The board sets the size of the preference.
State may give childcare providers priority for space in new or remodeled state offices
When the state builds, buys or substantially remodels an office building, licensed childcare providers may get priority to run a daycare center there at a state-set rent. Children of workers in the building come first, then other state workers, then families living within five miles.
State may give regional wildfire grants directly and pay grant money in advance
The Department of Conservation, Cal Fire and the Wildlife Conservation Board may award regional grants directly to regional and local groups to carry out wildfire plans. Advance grant payments, which had expired, are allowed with no end date, and roadside ignition prevention becomes grant eligible.
State may partner to make a GLP-1 weight-loss drug cheaper, if funded
The state Health and Human Services Agency may enter partnerships to lower prices and ease shortages for at least one FDA-approved GLP-1 obesity drug, if needed and if the Legislature funds it, aiming for a price no higher than its cost to Medi-Cal patients the year before this law passed.
State missing persons DNA database now covers unidentified living people too
The state Justice Department's DNA database must be used for every unidentified person, living or dead, instead of focusing on deceased and high-risk missing persons. DNA from living people may be kept when found remains are incomplete and more may turn up.
State must bargain toward Cal Fire pay within 15% of 20 comparable fire departments
The state must bargain in good faith with rank-and-file Cal Fire firefighters to bring pay within 15% of the average for matching ranks at 20 California fire departments chosen with the union. No raise is automatic; any increase must come through a union contract.
State must issue new birth certificates within 11 weeks after an adoption
The State Registrar must create a new birth certificate within 11 weeks of getting an adoption report or readoption order. If papers are missing, it must ask for them within 14 weeks and may return the file if they don't arrive in 90 days.
State must issue standard workers' comp medical evaluator report and request forms
The Division of Workers' Compensation must create a template report form for qualified medical evaluators and a standard form for parties to send information to a panel evaluator before an exam, with regulations in effect. Using the template does not prove a report is complete.
State must offer an online way for voters to fix ballot signature problems
The Secretary of State must give county election officials an electronic system that lets voters fix a missing or mismatched signature on a vote-by-mail envelope. The state must post data by county on how many voters were offered it and used it.
State must study school safety plans and recommend how they are written and approved
The state Education Commissioner must review existing school safety plans and recommend how they should be developed and approved and what they must contain, then report to lawmakers and the Department of Finance. Schools' current plan duties stay the same.
State parks may offer park passes through public libraries
The state parks department may work with the State Library and local library systems to provide state park passes, with the stated goal of lowering entry fee barriers to the parks.
State parks may partner with a tribal support group for the Indian Heritage Center
The state parks department may sign an agreement with a California Indian Heritage Center support organization so California Native American tribes and the department can work together on the center. The group must have a board of directors and a chief executive.
State pension board members get $320 per meeting instead of $100
Certain members of the state teachers' and public employees' retirement boards now get $320 per meeting, up from $100. County retirement boards may also raise their rate to $320, but only after the board of supervisors votes publicly to allow it.
State program to list approved California vendors of healthy food for public agencies
If the Legislature funds it, the Office of Farm to Fork must set up a program and publish a list of approved vendors of whole or minimally processed California food grown with climate-smart methods, for schools, colleges and local agencies to buy from.
State recycling agency may fund removal of abandoned RVs and illegal dumping crews
If the Legislature funds it, the state recycling department may write rules and give grants to local enforcement agencies to remove and dispose of abandoned RVs and to build illegal dumping enforcement teams. Projects in disadvantaged communities get priority.
State reviews of county child welfare must track anti-poverty help for foster youth over 18
The state's review system for county child welfare agencies must include measures of how nonminor dependents, young adults still in foster care, use programs meant to reduce poverty. The Department of Social Services must review county performance on those measures.
State sets up Cal-Bridge and ENLACE programs to guide students into STEM careers
Cal-Bridge, run jointly by the community colleges, CSU and UC, guides STEM students toward a PhD and faculty or tech jobs; ENLACE supports high school and college STEM students. Both run on funding set aside for them; UC joins only if its Regents agree.
State transportation department must report on speeding up highway safety projects
The state Department of Transportation must send lawmakers a report on its current efforts and options to cut the steps and time it takes to deliver safety improvement projects on state highways. The report creates no new legal duty for the department.
State transportation department must study how navigation apps reroute traffic
The state transportation department must run a pilot study in one region on how third-party navigation apps affect congestion, local streets, safety and emergency response times, then send lawmakers policy recommendations.
State transportation plan must include electric air taxis and cargo aircraft
The state transportation department must add electric passenger and cargo aircraft of 300 pounds or more, called advanced air mobility, to its next statewide transportation plan, and set up a working group with other agencies, local emergency offices and industry.
State utility regulators must study rates that make data centers pay their share of grid costs
The Public Utilities Commission must assess rate structures that make data centers pay their reasonable share of transmission, distribution and supply costs, and that ease cost pressure on household customers, including low-income rate programs.
State water department may buy power from pumped hydro plants that got no state money
The Department of Water Resources may buy electricity from pumped hydroelectric plants of up to 500 megawatts without the old condition that the plant received direct state funding. The size limit stays.
State water department must use experimental long-range forecasts for atmospheric rivers
The Department of Water Resources must include experimental tools that forecast atmospheric rivers weeks to months ahead (seasonal and subseasonal forecasts) in the forecasting methods it develops for flood control and water supply.
State workers get Native American Day as a paid holiday if the Legislature funds it
If the Legislature funds it, state employees get the fourth Friday in September, Native American Day, as a paid holiday instead of having to use vacation or other leave to take it. Any state bargaining unit may also negotiate for the holiday in its contract.
State-funded recovery housing must follow Housing First and not evict for relapse
To get state homelessness money, recovery housing programs must follow Housing First rules, keep residents who relapse unless they break the lease another way, allow addiction medications, keep overdose reversal medication on site and adopt a written return-to-use policy.
Stay-or-pay contract ban delayed a year, with exceptions for bonuses and advance leave
The ban on job contracts that make workers repay debts or costs when they leave applies only to contracts signed a year later than first set, with no liability for the gap. New exceptions cover retention bonuses, advanced paid time off and some broker-dealer contracts.
Stores can keep selling old gift cards printed with the lower cash-back limit
Sellers can keep selling gift certificates printed before the $15 cash-redemption rule with an outdated lower threshold, if they post a notice at each register that cards under $15 can be cashed out and keep records of the print date.
Student privacy law covers more ed tech and bans training AI on student data
K-12 and preschool privacy rules now reach operators that know their product is used for school and was designed or marketed for it, not only those used primarily for school. Operators may not use student data to train AI, and harmed students may sue.
Subcontractors on state contracts can ask the agency whether the prime contractor was paid
A subcontractor or supplier on a state contract can ask the awarding state agency about the payment status of the prime contractor's invoices, and the prime contractor must confirm its payments to subcontractors when the agency asks.
Substitute teachers get a training path to the emergency career substitute permit
For an emergency career substitute permit, the credentialing commission must accept 5 hours of training, an orientation and an assigned mentor instead of 90 substitute days in each of 3 years. These permit holders may teach up to 70 days in one classroom.
Sunscreen can be labeled reef safe only if it has no chemical UV filters
Sunscreen sold in California cannot be advertised or labeled "reef safe," "ocean friendly" or with similar claims unless it contains no chemical UV filters, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone or octinoxate. A violation is a misdemeanor.
Swimming allowed at Salinas Reservoir if the water is fully treated before use
Swimming and other water-contact recreation becomes allowed at the Salinas Reservoir if the water gets full treatment before people drink it and the San Luis Obispo County water district runs a monitoring program. The district must report to lawmakers every 2 years.
Taxpayer-funded billboards and bus ads can't show photos of the agency's elected officials
Public agencies may not pay for billboards, bus wraps, bus stop ads or similar ads of at least 24 by 36 inches that include a photo of an elected officer tied to the agency. An official who worked on such an ad shares liability for penalties.
Team USA athletes training in California keep in-state tuition with no end date
Team USA athletes training in California in an Olympic or Paralympic elite program keep in-state tuition at community colleges and Cal State for good, instead of losing it at a set cutoff. UC is covered only if its regents agree.
Tenth graders can earn credit for work experience and charter schools can run it
Students in grade 10, not only grades 11 and 12, earn credit for completing work experience education, and charter schools, county offices and state special schools gain the same powers as districts. Dual enrollment students may do work-based learning tied to college courses.
Therapists in prisons and psychiatric hospitals may leave their name off client notices
Therapists, counselors and social workers in psychiatric hospitals and correctional settings may leave their name and license details off the required complaint notice for safety reasons, if their employer allows it and clients have a way to get that information to file a complaint.
Threats against local election officials can bring a harsher felony sentence
When sentencing someone for a felony criminal threat, a judge can treat it as an aggravating factor that the person knowingly threatened a city, county or district elections official or an elected local official. That already applied to threats against state officers, legislators and judges.
Ticket sellers may not sell tickets they don't have, and owe double if they fail
Sellers may not list or sell tickets they do not hold or have under contract, and resale marketplaces must work to stop such sales. A seller that breaks the rules and fails to deliver owes twice the price plus nonrefundable costs.
Tobacco retailers can no longer sell nitrous oxide in their stores
Stores licensed to sell tobacco may not sell nitrous oxide at retail locations. Grocery stores and general stores with a grocery section are exempt, but convenience stores are not. Cities and counties may set stricter limits that leave medical, food and industrial uses alone.
Tobacco sellers can't make any sale of cannabis at sites where tobacco is stored or sold
At any site where cigarettes or tobacco are stored or sold, tobacco businesses may not make any sale of cannabis or products presumed to contain it, not only retail sales, and tax officials can seize those products. Pure CBN isolate later stops counting as cannabis concentrate under drug law.
Tougher penalties for speed exhibitions at sideshows and street takeovers
Doing an exhibition of speed at a sideshow now brings 24 hours to 90 days in jail or a $355 to $1,000 fine, up from a $500 maximum. Causing serious injuries can be a felony, and the sideshow definition now covers motorcycles and off-road vehicles.
Tow yards must take debit cards for impound fees and can't demand extra ownership papers
Storage facilities holding towed or impounded vehicles must accept a valid bank debit card, not only a credit card or cash, for towing and storage fees. Asking for ownership documents beyond those the law lists counts as an unlawful refusal to release the vehicle.
Townhome projects of up to 150 homes get fast-track approval with no hearing
Cities and counties must approve qualifying townhome projects and their subdivision maps without discretionary review or a hearing. Homes must be three stories or less, averaging 1,750 square feet or less; projects of 11 or more units need 10% lower-income homes. San Francisco is exempt.
Transit agencies must offer simple paratransit recertification for lasting disabilities
Transit operators funded under the state Transportation Development Act must offer a simple recertification by phone, mail or online, every 5 years, for paratransit riders whose disabilities are not expected to improve. Later, it becomes the only process allowed for those riders, with some exceptions.
Tribal colleges in California are counted as part of public higher education
State education law now lists tribal colleges and universities in California that are run by an Indian tribal government as part of public higher education, alongside the community colleges, California State University and University of California.
Tribes can skip the property match for state senior care grants under federal limits
Tribes receiving Community Care Expansion grants for adult and senior care homes no longer have to provide real property as a match if federal rules limit tribal land ownership. If more tribal funding comes, the state must write the application with tribes.
Two-unit home and lot split applications in single-family zones can be processed together
Applications for two homes on a single-family lot can be processed alongside the urban lot split parcel map, and the same goes for small subdivisions of up to 10 units. Cities may require the parcel map to be recorded before issuing building permits.
Unclaimed retirement plan payouts stay out of state hands only if actually forfeited
Unclaimed employee benefit plan payouts go to the state after 3 years unless the plan allows forfeiture. Now that exception applies only if the payout was actually forfeited and the plan has not reversed it.
Underground tank owners get 30 days to fix inspection problems or file a longer-fix plan
Underground storage tank permit holders must return to compliance within 30 days of an inspection report, not file a plan within 60 days; a longer fix needs a plan the local agency gets in that time. Compacting some solid hazardous waste is no longer treatment.
Unionized stationary engineers can follow contract meal break rules instead of state law
Stationary engineers who do building maintenance join utility, construction and security workers exempt from state meal period rules when a union contract sets meal periods, binding arbitration, overtime premiums and pay at least 30% above minimum wage.
Upper Los Angeles River working group grows and must review its plan yearly
The Upper Los Angeles River working group can have up to 25 members, one from the Los Angeles council district with the most river miles. It must meet yearly to report progress and propose plan changes, which the conservancy must act on in 60 days.
Using a drone to interfere with wildfire fighting brings civil penalties up to $75,000
Flying a drone to knowingly or recklessly interfere with wildfire suppression, or with an emergency response under a federal flight restriction, is banned. The Attorney General, county counsels or city attorneys can sue for up to $75,000 per violation.
Utilities Commission must report on unpaid utility wildfire victim claims
The Public Utilities Commission must assess unpaid losses of victims of older utility-caused wildfires, including PG&E fire victims paid only in part by its bankruptcy trust, and recommend ways to pay them in full without raising rates. A later law must approve any plan.
Utilities that put barred costs on customer accounts face penalties up to triple the amount
If the Public Utilities Commission finds an electric, gas, water or sewer company booked a cost barred from customer bills or already recovered, it must disallow it and fine an equal amount, or triple for repeat cases, unless the utility found and fixed it itself.
Utility rates must be adjusted when any new federal law changes utility taxes
The Public Utilities Commission must weigh how every new federal law, including the latest federal tax and spending law, changes the federal taxes of utilities whose rates it sets, and adjust rates if costs change materially. Earlier law covered only an earlier federal tax overhaul.
Utility regulators can't work for a regulated company for two years after leaving
A member of the state Public Utilities Commission may not be employed by any company the commission regulates for two years after the commissioner's term ends. Before this, the law only barred utility executives from joining the commission within two years of leaving.
Vapes disguised as candy or school supplies, or with built-in games, are banned
Vape products may not be sold or marketed looking like food, school supplies or clothing to hide them from adults, or with built-in video games. Fines reach $50,000 per violation for distributors. Schools can also send confiscated vapes for hazardous waste disposal more easily.
Vehicles of owners with repeat unpaid illegal dumping notices can be booted
Police and code enforcement may boot a car whose owner has five or more delinquent illegal dumping notices, or two for commercial dumping. It comes off with ID, a California address and proof of payment, bail or a payment plan; mistaken boots can be reviewed.
Very large senior HOAs may amend old rules with court approval at a 37 percent vote
A court may approve an amendment to a common interest development's declaration backed by more than 37 percent of votes, instead of more than 50 percent, but only for senior housing with over 6,000 units, over 25 percent tenant-occupied, unamended for 35 years.
Vet-client relationships now expire, and shelters get a new shelter-only vet license
A vet-client relationship now ends a year after an in-person exam or six months after a video exam, replacing prescription time limits. Out-of-state vets may get a shelter-only license, and owners may no longer do surgery or dental work on their own animals, though routine tasks such as shots or castrating livestock stay allowed.
Vets can count both self-study and free spay and neuter work toward renewal hours
Veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians renewing a license can now use both self-study courses and free spay or neuter work for shelters toward required continuing education, up to 6 and 4 hours for vets and 4 and 2 hours for technicians.
Violating a protective order tied to a felony charge can now be a felony
A willful violation of a criminal protective order can be a felony if the person faced a felony charge or conviction for the conduct behind it, unless that charge was reduced or dropped. Repeat violations within seven years involving violence or credible threats are felonies.
Violent felony denies reunification services only if the victim was a child or co-parent
A juvenile court may deny family reunification services to a parent convicted of a violent felony only if the victim was a child or someone the parent shared a child with at the time. Before, any violent felony conviction was enough.
Wage theft and labor trafficking can be prosecuted where the worker lived or worked
Prosecutors may now bring wage theft and labor trafficking cases in the county where the victim lived, where the job contract was made, where any of the work was done or where the business was located.
Web browsers must include a setting that tells websites not to sell or share user data
Companies that make web browsers must include an easy-to-find setting that sends an opt-out preference signal, telling businesses not to sell or share the user's personal information, and must explain how it works. Browser makers aren't liable for privacy violations by businesses receiving it.
Wider notice and hearing rules before local approvals for private immigration detention
The 180-day notice and two public hearings now apply to any local approval, not just land deals and permits, for private immigration detention sites. Notices must be posted, broadcast in the top five local languages and come with the related documents. Charter cities are covered.
Wildfire prevention projects get one combined state permit review with a 60-day decision
Wildfire risk projects, such as removing dead trees or clearing fuel breaks, can file one application covering all state environmental permits, with a decision due 60 days after it is complete. Fast-track approvals can replace other state permits.
Wildfire-area home insurance protection grows to two years, with three renewals after a loss
For two years after an emergency is declared, up from one, insurers may not cancel or refuse to renew home policies in or next to a wildfire perimeter solely because the fire happened there. After a disaster total loss, insurers must renew at least three times, up from two.
Wildlife agency can permit take of species that are only proposed for listing
The Department of Fish and Wildlife can now permit incidental take of species proposed for listing under the state endangered species law. If one is later listed, a renewable power project whose permit already covered it needs no new approval, if conditions are met.
Wildlife agency must consider tiered Joshua tree fees by project type and size
When it sets the fees developers can pay instead of mitigating harm to western Joshua trees, the Department of Fish and Wildlife must consider making them match a project's impact and tiering them by project type, size or other factors.
Wineries at farmers' markets may sell wine from bought grapes and share tastings
Winegrowers with a farmers' market permit may sell their own bottled wine even if they didn't grow the grapes, and up to three wineries, instead of one, may hold tastings at a market at once. Tasting staff need responsible beverage service training.
Work on high-speed rail land needs a permit, with fines for encroaching
The High-Speed Rail Authority will run a permit program for crossings, utilities and other encroachments on its operating right-of-way. Doing that work without a permit, or willfully damaging the rail system, is a misdemeanor, and civil penalties can reach $5,000 a day.
Workers' comp disability payments can keep going onto prepaid cards
Employers may keep paying workers' compensation disability benefits onto prepaid card accounts for workers who consent. The permission was set to expire and now has no end date.
Workforce program regional groups may pay students and employers for paid job training
Strong Workforce Program money sent to community college regional consortia, not only to individual college districts, may now pay students, employers or both for paid work-based learning. The chancellor's office gets one more year to revise its rules for this.
Yearly school notice to parents must promote the state college planning website
The yearly notice schools send parents of students entering grades 7 to 12 about dual enrollment and International Baccalaureate courses must also explain the benefits of the California College Guidance Initiative and encourage parents to create accounts.
Youth in juvenile facilities gain a right to hug and hold hands with visitors
Youth held in juvenile facilities have a right to consensual, appropriate physical contact with visitors, including hugs at the start and end of a visit and holding hands. Facilities may limit it only for a significant safety or security concern and must document why.
Youth programs need a parent's written OK to use kids' photos in public marketing
Camps, leagues and other youth programs not run by schools need a parent's written consent to publicly use a child's photo, video or voice, can't require it to enroll, and may never sell it. Parents may sue for up to $2,500 per child, or $5,000 for repeat offenses.
Youth tackle football leagues must let players wear extra safety gear like helmet covers
Youth tackle football leagues, programs and coaches must allow players to use added safety equipment, including soft-shell helmet covers, and players can sue for a court order and legal fees. A cover voids a helmet's warranty or certification only if it substantially damages the helmet.
Youth transport escort rules now cover trips to facilities inside California
Companies paid to transport minors to residential facilities or youth programs must use trustline-registered staff for trips within California, not only out of state. They need written safety policies and may use restraints only to prevent imminent serious harm when nothing less restrictive works.
Zero-emission transit buses may weigh more per axle, up to 25,000 pounds
Zero-emission transit buses bought through solicitations issued from this date may carry up to 25,000 pounds of curb weight per axle, up from 22,000. The limit steps down to 24,000 and 23,000 pounds for later solicitations, and returns to 22,000 when the temporary window ends.
Gas and liquid pipeline safety rules switch to a newer edition of ASTM A333
Gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of ASTM A333, the industry standard for steel pipe for low-temperature service, in place of the version six years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline rules adopt a newer standard for internal corrosion checks
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newer edition of industry standard SP0206, the method for internal corrosion direct assessment of pipelines carrying dry natural gas, replacing a much older edition. A comment about a broken web link did not block it.
Gas pipeline rules adopt the newest ASTM A372 standard for steel pressure vessels
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to the latest reapproved edition of ASTM A372/A372M, the standard for carbon and alloy steel forgings for thin-walled pressure vessels, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Gas pipeline rules adopt the newest ASTM D2513 standard for plastic gas pipe
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of ASTM D2513, the standard for polyethylene gas pressure pipe, tubing and fittings, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Gas pipeline rules adopt the newest ASTM D2564 standard for PVC pipe cement
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of ASTM D2564, the standard for solvent cements used to join PVC plastic pipe, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Gas pipeline rules adopt the newest ASTM F1055 standard for electrofusion fittings
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newer, reapproved edition of ASTM F1055, the standard for electrofusion polyethylene fittings used with polyethylene and PEX pipe and tubing, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Gas pipeline rules adopt the newest ASTM F1973 standard for risers and fittings
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of ASTM F1973, the standard for factory-assembled anodeless risers and transition fittings in plastic gas distribution systems, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Gas pipeline rules adopt the newest ASTM F2620 standard for fusing plastic pipe
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of ASTM F2620, the standard practice for heat fusion joining of polyethylene pipe and fittings, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Gas pipeline rules adopt the newest ASTM F2767 standard for nylon pipe fittings
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of ASTM F2767, the standard for electrofusion polyamide-12 fittings used with polyamide-12 gas distribution pipe and tubing, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Gas pipeline rules adopt the newest NFPA 59 code for utility propane plants
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of NFPA 59, the Utility LP-Gas Plant Code, replacing the much older edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Gas pipeline rules adopt the newest edition of the NFPA 58 propane gas code
Federal gas pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, replacing the older edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newer edition of ASTM D2513
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of ASTM D2513, the industry standard for polyethylene gas pressure pipe, tubing and fittings, in place of the version four years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newer edition of ASTM F1973
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of ASTM F1973, the industry standard for factory-built anodeless risers and transition fittings, in place of the version four years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newer edition of ASTM F2620
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of ASTM F2620, the industry standard for heat fusion joining of polyethylene pipe and fittings, in place of the version four years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newer edition of ASTM F2767
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of ASTM F2767, the industry standard for electrofusion polyamide-12 fittings for gas distribution, in place of the version one year older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newer edition of NFPA 58
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of NFPA 58, the industry standard for propane and other liquefied petroleum gas systems, in place of the version four years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newer edition of NFPA 59
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of NFPA 59, the industry standard for liquefied petroleum gas plants run by utilities, in place of the version six years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newer internal corrosion assessment standard
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of NACE International (NACE) SP0206, the industry standard for internal corrosion direct assessment for dry gas lines, in place of the version 10 years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newly reapproved version of ASTM A372
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newly reapproved version of ASTM A372, the industry standard for steel forgings for thin-walled pressure vessels, in place of the version five years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newly reapproved version of ASTM D2564
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newly reapproved version of ASTM D2564, the industry standard for solvent cements for PVC plastic piping, in place of the version four years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Gas pipeline safety rules switch to a newly reapproved version of ASTM F1055
Gas pipeline safety rules will cite a newly reapproved version of ASTM F1055, the industry standard for electrofusion polyethylene fittings, in place of the version six years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
HUD delays again the deadline for new income and asset rules in its housing grant programs
Grantees in HUD community development programs, including HOME, the Housing Trust Fund, Community Development Block Grants and Emergency Solutions Grants, get one more year to follow HUD's newer income and asset rules. Until then they may keep using the older rules.
Health plans must give cost-sharing estimates by phone and post fuller price files
Health plans and insurers must give members cost-sharing estimates by phone, not only online or on paper. Their public price files add details such as network names, drop unlikely provider rates, are updated less often, and need a contact file.
Liquid pipeline safety rules switch to a newer butt-welding fittings standard
Hazardous liquid pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS) SP-75, the industry standard for high-strength butt-welding fittings, in place of the version six years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Medicaid work requirement starts for adults covered under the expansion group
States must require adults 19 to 64 in the Medicaid expansion group to show 80 hours a month of work, community service, a work program or half-time school, or matching income, to get or keep coverage. Exempt groups include parents of children under 14.
Oil pipeline rules adopt a newer standard for high-strength welding fittings
Federal hazardous liquid pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of industry standard SP-75 for high-strength, wrought, butt-welding fittings, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Pipeline rules adopt a newer standard for external corrosion assessment
Federal gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of industry standard SP0502, the method for external corrosion direct assessment, replacing a much older edition. The agency ruled that a comment about a broken web link did not block it.
Pipeline rules adopt the newest ASTM A333 standard for low-temperature steel pipe
Federal gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of ASTM A333/A333M, the standard for welded steel pipe and pipe made without seams for low-temperature service, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Pipeline rules adopt the newest ASTM A53 standard for steel pipe
Federal gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety rules switch to the latest edition of ASTM A53/A53M, the standard for black and hot-dipped zinc-coated steel pipe, welded or made without seams, replacing the edition they cited before. No comments blocked the change.
Pipeline safety rules switch to a newer external corrosion assessment standard
Gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety rules will cite a newer edition of NACE International (NACE) SP0502, the industry standard for external corrosion direct assessment, in place of the version 15 years older. Operators may follow the newer version before the switch.
Renewable diesel earns fewer fuel credits per gallon under EPA's renewable fuel rule
Under the Renewable Fuel Standard, the credit value for renewable diesel drops from 1.7 to 1.5 per gallon, and set values of 1.5 for renewable jet fuel and 1.4 for renewable naphtha replace case-by-case values. Producers may apply for a different value.
Trademark class headings get small wording changes for diving gear and metals
The patent and trademark office adopts the latest international trademark classification, which rewords two class headings: Class 9 says diving masks, diving gloves and ear plugs and nose clips for diving, and Class 6 swaps a comma for a semicolon. Registration rules do not change.
Washington sweet cherries must be bigger to ship under the federal marketing order
Minimum size for sweet cherries from the covered Washington counties rises from 54/64 to 57/64 inch across for 90 percent of a lot; Rainier, Royal Anne and other light cherries are exempt. The 12-row size goes and two larger sizes are added.
FDA ban on Red No. 3 dye in food goes ahead after it rejects objections
The FDA turned down objections and lifted its stay, so food, including dietary supplements, can no longer contain the color additive FD&C Red No. 3, found to cause cancer in male rats. Ingested drugs lose it about a year later.
Federal workers no longer need a year in grade before promotion to GS-6 or above
The Office of Personnel Management drops the rule that General Schedule staff spend 52 weeks one grade lower (or two lower in some jobs) before promotion to competitive service jobs at GS-6 or above. Qualification standards still apply; agencies may set job-related service rules.
911 centers not yet giving pre-arrival medical instructions must report their status
A 911 center that handles medical calls and was not yet giving callers pre-arrival instructions, such as CPR or choking help, by the existing deadline must report its compliance status to its local emergency medical services agency.
Districts must reclassify English learners who met the test score in the 2025-26 school year
Since the law took effect, English learners who reach the state board's score on the English proficiency test or its alternate are reclassified on that score alone, replacing teacher, parent and skills criteria. Districts must catch up on students who hit it in the 2025-26 school year.
February 2027 1
Airline rule on reporting the causes of delays and cancellations is pushed back
The Transportation Department delays its rule that moves ten kinds of events out of the "air carrier" cause code into a new category when airlines report delays and cancellations. The new categories will first apply to January flights, reported the following month.
March 2027 2
Finance department must propose ways to make big employers pay for workers on Medi-Cal
The Department of Finance must give lawmakers one or more options for making the largest corporations cover the public cost of their employees on Medi-Cal. The duty drops if Congress first repeals the Medicaid parts of federal law HR 1.
Crude oil pipelines feeding California refineries must report volumes monthly
Operators of crude oil pipelines that California refineries depend on, where a shutdown means a significant drop in supply, must send the state Energy Commission monthly data on daily volumes, hours of operation, safe operating limits and capacity. The commission first names the covered pipelines.
April 2027 5
City and county housing reports must track demolished homes and replacement units
Annual housing progress reports from cities and counties must add details on demolished homes and the replacement units owed. Planning agencies can count apartments converted to low-income housing with 55-year affordability covenants toward up to 25 percent of their lower-income housing goal.
Electric utilities must offer a tariff to wire up hydrogen fueling stations
Each electric utility must file, and the Public Utilities Commission must approve, a tariff letting the utility build and own the grid-side lines and meters serving hydrogen fueling stations, including heavy-duty truck stations, with a good faith cost estimate up front.
Landlords must have a written pet policy and show it in rental listings
Residential landlords must have a written pet policy or addendum, post it on property websites, digital ads and rental search sites, and hand it out with applications. Applicants who lose out because it was not disclosed can get the application fee back.
Online marketplaces barred from selling or shipping noxious weeds into California
Online marketplaces may not facilitate sales or shipments of noxious weeds to California addresses. After a written warning, the state agriculture secretary may fine $25,000, then $50,000, then $75,000 per violation plus cleanup costs, unless the marketplace shows reasonable controls.
Medicare tests extra drug rebates tied to prices in other wealthy countries
Makers of certain high-spending brand-name Medicare Part B drugs must pay added rebates when U.S. prices top a benchmark drawn from 19 other countries, for patients in the test areas. About a quarter of traditional Medicare patients, picked by ZIP code, pay lower coinsurance on those drugs.
June 2027 2
Medicare accreditors face conflict of interest limits and stricter federal oversight
Groups that accredit Medicare providers may not sell paid consulting to a facility before its first survey, in the 12 months before its next survey, or over a complaint. They must use Medicare's rules as minimum standards and drop terminated providers within 5 business days.
Schools that screen students for suicide risk must report the numbers to the state
Schools and districts that run suicide risk screenings must report each year how many students were screened and with which tools; screening stays optional. A state mental health commission must build free online suicide prevention training for staff, students 13 and up, and parents.
July 2027 38
CalWORKs eligibility no longer depends on parents working under 100 hours
CalWORKs drops the rule that a parent must work under 100 hours in four weeks for a child to count as lacking support. Hours no longer matter if the family is under the income limits. It starts later if the welfare computer system isn't ready.
CalWORKs ends the rule that an unrelated man living with a family must pay toward it
CalWORKs families no longer lose aid because an unrelated adult man living in the home must make a financial contribution to them. The change can start later than the date shown if the state's welfare computer system is not ready.
Coastal Commission must pick infill areas where affordable housing skips coastal permits
The Coastal Commission must name infill areas in at least three coastal cities or counties without a certified local coastal program. Housing projects there made up only of deed-restricted very low, low or moderate income units won't need a coastal development permit.
Colleges must extend deadlines for students whose financial aid is delayed
Starting in the 2027-28 academic year, Cal State, community colleges and state-aided private colleges must extend enrollment deadlines, and may extend payment deadlines, for students whose aid is late through no fault of their own. They can't block future enrollment, charge late fees or hold transcripts over it.
Colleges must set a policy for estimating and adjusting student costs to keep Cal Grants
To stay eligible for Cal Grant students, a college must adopt a cost of attendance policy that follows federal standards by the start of the 2027-28 academic year, letting students ask for higher estimates for costs such as housing, a computer, transportation or child care.
Colleges must waive or defer unpaid fees for foster youth until financial aid arrives
Starting in the 2027-28 academic year, community colleges, Cal State and private colleges that get state aid must waive, or defer until financial aid arrives, unpaid fees and costs for verified foster youth who applied for aid. UC is asked, not required.
Companion chatbot companies must assess child safety risks before launching chatbots
Before releasing a new or substantially changed companion chatbot in California, operators must run and document a child safety risk assessment. Those that let children use it must set crisis protocols and limit ads and data use, and harmed children may sue.
Conservation camp graduates get a path into construction laborer apprenticeships
Successful work in the California Conservation Camp firefighting program counts as qualifying experience for state-approved construction craft laborer apprenticeships. Graduates get a written certificate, and the prison trades committee must help them get admitted after release.
Corrections department must set rules to refer prison firefighters for resentencing
The corrections department must adopt rules for referring conservation camp firefighters, former camp firefighters still in custody, and prison firehouse workers for resentencing. The rules must allow referrals for people with two or more years left and bar minimum time-served requirements.
Employers can't let automated systems alone decide to discipline or fire workers
Employers may not rely only on an automated decision system to discipline or fire someone; if they mainly rely on one, a human must check the result and the worker gets a written notice and can ask for their data. Violations cost $500 each.
Exam proctoring companies serving K-12 schools must use end-to-end encryption
Companies that proctor classroom or course exams for school districts, county offices of education or charter schools must use end-to-end encryption, so no one but the sender and recipient, including the company, can read the data.
Fire agency must certify prison firefighter training and give ex-inmates a hiring preference
Cal Fire must work with the prison system so eligible people who finish firefighter training in prison get official written certification before release. Later, qualified formerly incarcerated people get hiring preference for Fire Fighter 1 jobs, and their crew time counts toward Forestry Technician requirements.
Foreign labor contractor registration expands to H-2A farmworker recruiters
California's registration rules for contractors who recruit foreign workers extend from nonfarm H-2B workers to farmworkers on H-2A visas. Licensed farm labor contractors who recruit abroad must register with the Labor Commissioner and list each visa program they use.
High school and school-run sports coaches must take mental health training every two years
Coaches at high schools in the state interscholastic sports federation, including private schools, must complete mental health training before their season and again every two years. Coaches in other school-run athletic programs must take training on sudden cardiac arrest and mental health.
High school sports federation must update heat illness rules every year
The California Interscholastic Federation must review and, as needed, update its heat illness prevention guidelines and safety standards for student athletes every year, with special attention to hotter regions of the state. Before, it only had to write them once.
Hospitals must screen patients for charity care and presume some eligible
Hospitals must screen patients and presume those enrolled in programs such as CalFresh or CalWORKs eligible for charity care or discounts, and must also screen uninsured patients and some others. Hospitals may not require a Medi-Cal or Medicare application first, and patients may opt out.
Large cities must zone downtown transit hub districts for high-rise housing
Cities of 400,000 or more with at least two major transit stops must designate transit hub districts where qualifying housing with affordable units gets fast-track approval, with height limits no lower than 150 feet and density limits no lower than 200 units per acre.
Local permit fees capped for Level 2 EV chargers at apartment buildings
Cities and counties cannot charge more than reasonable cost for EV charger permits. For Level 2 chargers at multifamily housing the fee is capped at $500 plus per-kilowatt amounts, unless the city adopts findings showing higher costs.
Medi-Cal autism therapy providers must background check staff who see patients
Medi-Cal providers of behavioral health treatment, such as applied behavior analysis for autism, must run state and national criminal background checks on employees who interact with patients. The state must also seek provider and family input on coverage and billing rules.
Medi-Cal must issue guidance confirming lactation services need no prior approval
The state's Medi-Cal agency must issue guidance spelling out coverage of lactation education, support and clinical consultation, billing codes and health plan duties, and stating these services need no prior authorization, prescription or referral, if federal funding and approval allow.
More charter school and permit-holding staff join the teachers' retirement system
Positions requiring a permit, not only a credential or license, can count for State Teachers' Retirement System membership. Charter school jobs doing certificated work also count when the charter board designates them by resolution. The start date is now fixed by law.
New license lets utilities sell home warranty contracts and bill for them
A new Department of Insurance license for home warranty sales agents lets utilities acting for those agents sell the contracts and add fees to utility bills, listed separately as a third party's product. Buyers can return an unclaimed contract within 30 days.
New state tax credit for film and TV post-production done in California
Productions doing editing, sound, effects or music scoring in California can get a tax credit of 35% of qualifying costs, more for work outside the Los Angeles area or for shooting at least half in the state. The yearly total is whatever the Legislature sets in each budget, plus unused credits.
Parents' birthplaces move to the confidential part of California birth certificates
The birthplace of each parent is no longer printed in the public part of a new birth certificate. It goes in the confidential medical and social section, alongside items such as race and ethnicity of the parents.
Patients misled by a wrong provider directory pay only in-network costs
Health plans and insurers must cover care when an enrollee relied on a wrong or misleading provider directory, where before regulators only had the power to order it. Providers may charge only in-network cost sharing, and plans check directories through one state-chosen data hub.
Police must let paramedics ask to blur patients in body camera footage
Every law enforcement agency with a body camera policy must add a way for emergency medical personnel to ask, before any public release, that recordings of patients being treated be redacted, for example by blurring or muting. Agencies keep an unredacted copy.
Prevailing wage rate changes reach $35 million public works contracts after bidding
Prevailing wage rate changes, now set twice a year, apply to public works contracts of $35 million or more even after bids are published. Contractors and awarding bodies may petition for review within 20 days; fully deed-restricted affordable housing projects are exempt.
Required mental health training for school coaches must cover suicide risk and team culture
Starting in the 2027-28 school year, the mental health training required for high school coaches and coaches of other school-run sports programs must cover trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, team culture and referrals to counselors. The state must also offer a model training for youth league coaches.
Schools can no longer require kindergartners to take home school laptops or tablets
Starting with the 2027-28 school year, schools may let kindergarten and transitional kindergarten pupils take home school-issued devices but can't require it, except for needs such as a special education plan. The state Education Department must post screen time guidance.
Schools can't make social media feeds the only way to reach families or a condition for clubs
Starting in the 2027-28 school year, districts, county education offices and charter schools may not bar students from sports, clubs or other activities for not using apps with personalized feeds, or use those apps as their only way to contact students and parents.
Schools must adopt a policy on handling off-campus, after-hours cyberbullying
Each school district, county office of education and charter school must adopt a policy, or update its bullying procedures, on handling reports of after-hours cyberbullying severe enough to create a hostile school environment. The policy must be posted on district and school websites.
Schools with grades 7 to 12 must post sextortion warning posters in student restrooms
By the start of the 2027-28 school year, every school serving grades 7 to 12 must hang a sextortion poster in at least one men's, one women's and one all-gender student restroom, in English and any language 15% of students speak, with police contacts.
State housing agencies must change funding rules to support factory-built housing
State agencies running multifamily affordable housing programs, including the low-income housing tax credit, must revise their rules to make factory-built housing an allowed use and, where they fund a project directly, allow early deposits to cover factory material and production costs.
State may let crypto firms pay license fees and other charges in stablecoins
The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation may adopt rules letting applicants and licensees under the Digital Financial Assets Law make certain payments owed to it in stablecoins. Payments tied to enforcement actions are excluded.
Stores must round cash totals to the nearest 5 cents
When a customer pays fully in cash, merchants must round the total to the nearest 5 cents: totals ending in 1, 2, 6 or 7 cents go down, 3, 4, 8 or 9 go up. Card payments are not rounded; taxes use the unrounded price.
Tattoo and body art shops must post trafficking notices and train staff
Body art facilities join the businesses that must post the human trafficking hotline notice, and must give employees and registered practitioners at least 20 minutes of training on spotting and reporting trafficking. Shops that don't comply face civil penalties of $1,000, then $2,000.
Veterans keep college priority registration with no time limit
Community colleges and CSU must give priority registration to California veteran students and State Guard members without the old cap of four academic years used within 15 years of leaving active duty. UC is asked to do the same.
College programs whose graduates earn too little lose federal student loan eligibility
An earnings test that limited only career-training programs now covers every college program: those whose graduates fail to out-earn a comparison group, such as high school graduates, in two of three years lose Direct Loans. The debt-to-earnings test ends, and school reporting is cut back.
August 2027 1
College harassment rules now cover sextortion, stalking and sexual deepfakes
Under the state's college anti-discrimination law, sexual harassment expressly includes sextortion, stalking and technology-facilitated harassment, and sexual exploitation includes making or sharing sexual deepfakes without written consent. Affirmative consent gets a written definition.
September 2027 3
Colleges cannot bar students over pregnancy or family status, and must offer leave
Colleges cannot discriminate against students or applicants over pregnancy, marital or family status, and must accommodate pregnant students. Pregnancy and parental leave with extra time to finish, until now only for graduate students, extends to undergraduates. Each college must name a coordinator.
Public colleges must accept high school IEPs and 504 plans as proof of disability
Community colleges, Cal State and UC campuses that require proof of disability for academic accommodations must accept a student's individualized education program, 504 plan or regional center plan, and can't demand a new diagnostic evaluation just to confirm it. Campuses may ask for other information.
Utilities will face deadlines to hook up small electric service projects
The Public Utilities Commission must set timelines, with penalties, for big electric utilities to process requests to connect small projects that need no line extensions. Utilities must accept applications alongside building permits, give cost estimates and not cancel applications without the applicant's consent.
October 2027 1
Immigration support workers can join a state program to keep home addresses secret
Staff and volunteers of immigration support groups who face threats or harassment can apply to the Secretary of State to keep their home address out of public records. Posting or selling their personal information online to incite or threaten violence is also banned.