01/02/2025
New California Laws in 2025.
A Fresh Take on City Revitalization: Cannabis Cafes and Entertainment Zones
In an effort to boost foot traffic in California's urban areas still recovering from the pandemic, two groundbreaking laws have been introduced. Senate Bill 969, crafted by State Senator Scott Wiener, permits local authorities to create "entertainment zones" where bars and eateries can serve alcohol outdoors on sidewalks and streets. While some groups like the California Alcohol Policy Alliance fear a spike in alcohol-related incidents, supporters argue these zones will invigorate city life.
Meanwhile, AB 1775 has given the green light to Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes. Authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, the law not only allows the sale of non-prepackaged food and beverages alongside cannabis but also includes safeguards against secondhand smoke to protect employees. "People are eager to legally enjoy cannabis socially while perhaps sipping coffee or enjoying music," Haney noted.
Empowering Workers Against Coercion
With Senate Bill 399, California is reshaping the workplace dynamic by prohibiting employers from mandating attendance at politically or religiously charged meetings, including those on union membership. Backed by the California Labor Federation, this move aims to reduce intimidation that might hinder workers' rights to unionize. Though business coalitions like the California Chamber of Commerce have raised concerns about free speech limitations, the law carves out exceptions for political job roles.
New Employee Rights and Protections
Starting January 1:
California's minimum wage rises to $16.50 an hour.
Employers cannot force the use of accrued vacation before paid family leave per AB 2123.
AB 2499 allows sick leave use for jury duty and expands unpaid leave for crime victims.
Student Privacy and LGBTQ+ Protections in Schools
Assembly Bill 1955, also known as the SAFETY Act, ensures California schools do not require staff to inform parents if a child is transgender. Authored by Assemblymember Chris Ward, the act supports maintaining student privacy regarding gender identity, countering policies from school boards that sought to enforce parental notification.
Revamping Historical Education
Gone are the days of trivializing Spanish Mission projects. AB 1821 mandates a curriculum overhaul to better depict Native American history during colonization, seeking guidance from local tribes. Supporters include California's Indigenous communities who believe current curricula overlook significant historical impacts.
Additionally, AB 1805 integrates the historic Mendez v. Westminster case into educational materials, highlighting California's pivotal role in ending school segregation before Brown v. Board of Education.
Fighting Hair Discrimination
Assembly Bill 1815 complements the CROWN Act by extending protections against hairstyle discrimination into amateur sports, shedding light on racial biases linked to hair texture and styles commonly worn by people of color.
Safeguarding Child Content Creators
Two new laws ensure young creators see financial benefits from their online endeavors, requiring 15% of their earnings to be placed in a trust fund, safeguarding them from modern-day exploitation seen on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Alcohol Education and Transparency in Residential Centers
With a personal history that inspired her, Wendy Carrillo's AB 2865 demands California schools teach about alcohol's harms by 2025. Meanwhile, a law enhances transparency on restraint use in youth treatment centers, spurred by advocates like Paris Hilton sharing personal experiences of mistreatment.
Tenant Relief and Financial Fairness
California tenants, starting January 1, gain more time to contest evictions, doubling response time to ten days. This change, supported by tenant advocates, aims to reduce default losses and financial penalties many tenants face.
A separate law abolishes fines for ATM withdrawal denials, supporting financially vulnerable individuals by eliminating what consumer advocates call "junk fees."
Credit Protection Against Medical Debt
In a win for Californians, medical debt will no longer tarnish credit reports under a new law. This change doesn't forgive the debt but shields credit scores from dropping due to unpaid medical bills, a significant relief for many facing financial strain.