California is known for being one of the most heavily regulated states in the country, with over 1,100 bills passing Governor Gavin Newsom's desk in 2023. Here's a list of some of the bills affecting Californians in 2024:
Concealed Carry
Under SB2, the minimum age for carrying concealed weapons will increase from 18 to 21 and prohibit them in “sensitive places” such as schools, parks, playgrounds, and banks.
Extended Paid Sick and Reproductive Loss Leave
Under SB616, employees must now receive no less than 24 hours or three days of paid sick leave by the 120th calendar day of employment and no less 40 hours or five days of paid sick leave by the 200th calendar day of employment.
Under SB848, employers must also provide up to five days of leave to employees who experience reproductive loss — whether through a miscarriage or other reproductive loss event, failed adoption, failed surrogacy or unsuccessful round of intrauterine insemination.
Campsite Reservations
Under AB618, campers will be required to pay reservation fees + the cost of the first night's reservation when the camper cancels their booking witin 2-6 days before its start date.
Gender-neutral Toy Sections
Under AB-1084, large retail stores in the state will be required to maintain a gender-neutral toy section, where toys are displayed “regardless of whether they have been traditionally marketed for either girls or for boys.”
Speed Cameras
Under AB-645, 6 CA cities may use up to 33 cameras o enforce speed limits in school zones and designated "safety corridors".
Employment Protections for Cannabis Users
SB700 prevents employers from asking about a prospective employee’s past cannabis use, with some exceptions. Sen. Steven Bradford, the bill’s author, said the measure “promotes equity by ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against solely for their legal and recreational use of cannabis,”.
Conservatorship Expansion
Under SB43, expands the standards for deeming a person “gravely disabled” to include people whose mental illness or drug addiction inhibits their ability to keep themselves safe.
New S.F. Housing Scrutiny
SB423 will increase San Francisco's assessments of progress toward its state-mandated housing goals every year, rather than every 4 years (like every other CA city).
Fentanyl Sentences
Under AB701, people convicted of dealing or attempting to deal more than a kilogram of fentanyl will face years of additional prison time.
Child Sex Trafficking
Under SB14, child sex trafficking will now be listed as a "serious felony" - increasing jail time and limiting opportunities for plea bargains.
Mobile Opioid Treatment
Under AB663, mobile pharmacies will be able to dispense opioid addiction treatment, buprenorphine (Subtutex or Suboxone) to homeless people.
New Minimum Wages for Fast-food and Healthcare Workers
Fast-food Workers
Under AB1228, fast-food workers will see thheir minimum wage rise to $20/hr beginning in April.
Healthcare Workers
Large health systems and dialysis clinics with 10,000 or more full-time employees will have to pay workers a minimum of $23 an hour starting June 1, 2024; $24 starting June 1, 2025; and $25 starting June 1, 2026.
Hospitals that get most of their funding from Medi-Cal and Medicare, and small rural hospitals, will have to pay workers at least $18 an hour starting June 1, 2024, with annual 3.5% raises. They will have to pay workers a minimum of $25 an hour starting in 2033.
Primary care clinics, community clinics and urgent care clinics owned by primary care providers will have to pay employees at least $21 an hour starting June 1, 2024; $22 starting June 1, 2026; and $25 starting June 2027.
All other health care facilities must pay workers at least $21 an hour starting June 1, 2024; $23 starting June 1, 2026; and $25 starting June 1, 2028.
Security Deposit Cap
Under AB12, landlords are limited to ask renters for security deposits equivalent to 1 month's rent rather than 2-3 month's rent beginning in July.
