A number of new laws passed by the State Legislature and signed by the Governor have gone into effect this year.
New laws that went into effect July 1st:
Drug testing kits must now be made available in bars to prevent date-rapes and drink spiking
Second Amendment impacts include an 11% tax on all firearms and ammunition sold in California; credit card payment networks will be required to provide a unique identifying code for merchants that sell firearms and ammunition
Landlords will no longer be allowed to ask for security deposits greater than a single month’s rent
Employers will now be required to implement a workplace violence prevention plan
Consumer impacts include a new “Right to Repair” law requiring manufacturers of electronic devices over $50 to make documentation and spare parts or tools available for repair
Students may no longer be suspended for “minor misbehavior” but the law will sunset in 2029 for grades 6-12 so that the impact of this change can be evaluated.
Laws that went into effect January 1st:
A streamlined approval process for housing projects developed by religious or higher education institutions will be implemented
Reform of the Mental Health Services Act to better address current needs and provide greater accountability
Funding for 11,150 new behavioral health beds along with 26,700 outpatient treatment slots will be provided
Human trafficking of minors will now be designated a serious felony, and penalties will be enhanced
For better or worse, these are just some of the new laws that went into effect this year. The Legislature is out of session in July, and will re-convene August 5th. Session will end August 31st – more new laws are on the way.
Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R- Valley Center, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature.