(CLAIR) – As of January 1, the great state of California has implemented a slew of new laws that’ll raise minimum wages, provide more protections against discrimination, address crime, and encourage more housing in Simi Valley and other Ventura County cities.
One such law is AB 2097 that eliminates parking requirements for new housing within a half-mile of transit stations to encourage more construction.
Another new law is the so-called OmniBike Bill (AB 1909), which now requires drivers to switch lanes when passing cyclists whenever possible. It also gives electric bike riders more access to the roads, though local agencies (like park districts) can still restrict the operation of e-bikes within their jurisdiction.
If you’re a woman, you might be pleased to hear about AB 1287, a new law that prohibits charging higher prices for products (like pink razors) that are essentially the same as men’s but targeted towards women at a higher price. This is known as the “Pink Tax,” and it’s estimated that a woman spends almost $200,000 more in her lifetime on certain products than a man does.
If you’ve served your time in jail for a criminal conviction, SB 731 could help you out by expanding the population of people eligible to have their criminal records sealed when job searching.
AB 107 protects families with out-of-state transgender youths seeking gender-affirming surgery in California.
SB 357, on the other hand, repeals a Penal Code section that criminalized loitering for the purpose of engaging in sex work.
And if you’re a fan of fur clothing, you might want to stock up now because AB 44 has banned the sale of new fur apparel in the state. However, used fur products are still fair game. Since 1978, the fur trade has been on the decline due to animal cruelty concerns. Cities like LA, SF, Berkeley, and West Hollywood have already banned fur, and fashion has turned to fake fur made from plastics as an alternative.
AB 256 now allows for reasonable accommodations to be made for lactation needs in the workplace. So if you’re breastfeeding and need a private space or breaks to pump, your employer is now required to accommodate you.
Two other laws, SB 3 and AB 257, have raised minimum wages. SB 3 bumps the statewide minimum wage from $14 to $15.50 per hour, while AB 257 establishes a council to review health and safety in the fast-food industry, set industrywide minimum wage standards, and implement cost-of-living increases.
SB 960 has removed the citizenship requirement for those seeking employment in law enforcement, so as long as you can legally work in the state, you’re good to go.
SB 1338 gives first responders and family members the ability to ask a judge to create a treatment plan for certain mentally ill individuals through the CARE Court program. This plan can include housing, medication, and therapy for one year, with the option to renew for a second year. If the individual refuses the treatment plan, they could be placed under a conservatorship.
The Contraceptive Equity Act (SB 523) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their reproductive health decisions or requiring them to disclose such information.
Farm workers have a new tool to potentially reduce retaliation thanks to AB 2183, which enables them to unionize through vote-by-mail or drop-off ballots at state agricultural labor relations boards.
AB 256 adds Lunar New Year, Genocide Remembrance Day, Juneteenth, and Native American Day as holidays.
AB 1949 expands the definition of “family member” to include people that are not ‘technically’ family members and allows for five days of unpaid leave for bereavement in the event of a death in the family.
Catalytic converter theft is a real problem in Simi, but two new laws aim to address it. AB 1740 requires recycled catalytic converters to have the year, make, and model of the vehicle of origin, as well as the title. SB 1087, on the other hand, prohibits the sale of catalytic converters except by auto dismantlers, repair dealers, or documented lawful owners.
And last but not least, if you’ve been convicted of child or elder abuse, you’re out of luck because AB 2239 now prohibits you from owning guns. AB 2294, on the other hand, allows law enforcement to detain individuals in custody for misdemeanor retail theft if they’ve been arrested or convicted of certain crimes.
All in all, it’s a massive list of new laws in California.
