New California Laws Take Effect July 1, 2023 As of July 1, 2023, several new laws will come into force in the state of California, aiming to address various issues and protect the rights of its residents. Here are the key highlights: * Rent Cap Expansion (AB 1482): This law extends rent stabilization to certain units built between 1995 and 2015, effectively capping annual rent increases at 5% plus inflation. * Right to Repair (SB 983): Consumers will gain the right to repair their own electronic devices or have them repaired by independent shops. Manufacturers must provide diagnostic tools and replacement parts. * Assessor Communication with Tenants (AB 2529): Landlords must notify tenants in writing of any property tax increase that results in higher rent. * Expanded Access to Abortion (SB 245): This law protects abortion rights and allows certified nurse midwives and physician assistants to perform abortions. * Safe Injection Sites (SB 57): Local jurisdictions are authorized to establish safe injection sites, where individuals can use drugs under medical supervision in a safe environment. * Workplace Protections for Lactating Employees (SB 315): Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for nursing employees, including breaks and a designated space for pumping. * Digital Wallet Driver’s License (AB 1224): California becomes the first state to allow residents to use digital copies of their driver’s licenses on their smartphones. * Criminal Justice Reform (AB 1883): This law clarifies the definition of police use of force and establishes new reporting requirements for police shootings and use-of-force incidents. * Gender-Inclusive Language (SB 1188): State law will use gender-neutral and gender-inclusive language, such as “person” instead of “man.” * State Minimum Wage Increase (AB 1041): California’s minimum wage will increase from $15 to $15.50 per hour, effective January 1, 2024. These new laws aim to improve housing affordability, enhance healthcare access, protect consumer rights, promote equity, and strengthen public safety in the Golden State.New California Laws in EffectNew California Laws in Effect Rape Test Kits in Bars: Establishments must provide drug testing kits to deter date drug incidents and require signage indicating their availability. Hidden Fee Transparency: Businesses must clearly display surcharges in advertised prices and provide full pricing before check-out for hotels and short-term rentals. Restaurants and bars are exempt from certain requirements. Security Deposit Limits: Landlords can charge a maximum of one month’s rent as a security deposit, eliminating previous higher limits. Special Gun Tax: An 11% excise tax on firearm and ammunition sales funds gun violence prevention and gang intervention programs. Gun Dealer Credit Card Codes: Credit card networks must generate unique identification codes for gun and ammunition sellers, allowing banks to flag potential suspicious purchases. Do-it-Yourself Phone Repairs: Manufacturers must provide parts, tools, and instructions for certain electronics and appliance repairs, excluding video game consoles and certain heavy machinery. Workplace Violence Prevention: Businesses must implement violence prevention plans, including risk assessments, emergency protocols, and employee training. School Discipline Reform: Suspension of students in grades K-12 for “disruption or willful defiance” is prohibited, promoting alternative disciplinary measures. Menstrual Products in Schools: Menstrual products are required in restrooms for grades 3-12, expanding the previous mandate for grades 6-12.New California laws taking effect on July 1 include: – AB 1041: Requires public universities to provide free menstrual products in campus restrooms. – AB 1520: Prohibits the sale or distribution of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. – AB 1665: Extends the statute of limitations for certain sexual assault crimes, including those committed against children. – AB 1705: Limits the use of civil asset forfeiture, a process that allows law enforcement to seize property from individuals without charging them with a crime. – AB 1983: Requires schools to provide instruction on the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California. – SB 111: Establishes a new state holiday to commemorate Juneteenth, the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. – SB 553: Provides financial assistance to undocumented immigrants who are victims of crime. – SB 873: Requires certain businesses to provide workers with at least five days of unpaid bereavement leave per year. – SB 954: Prohibits the sale of new gas-powered passenger vehicles in California by 2035. – SB 1162: Expands access to mental health services for students in grades 7-12. These laws were passed by the California Legislature and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. They will go into effect on July 1, 2023.