California’s New Laws for 2025

Summary

The video highlights key upcoming changes in California laws starting January 1, 2025. These include stricter pedestrian safety rules, expanded renter protections, increased minimum wage, and enhanced measures against retail theft. Notably, the state is addressing housing shortages by facilitating the development of ADUs, while also focusing on consumer financial protections like limits on overdraft fees and medical debt on credit reports. Additionally, transparency in pricing will improve, requiring businesses to disclose all fees upfront. The video offers a comprehensive overview of how these laws will impact residents and businesses.

Takeaways

• 😀 Daylighting law will begin fining violators starting January 2025, restricting parking within 20 feet of crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety.
• 😀 Sacramento has implemented changes such as red-painted curbs to comply with daylighting laws and increase pedestrian visibility.
• 😀 California will raise the minimum wage by 50 cents to $16.50 per hour, and new regulations expand paid sick leave and family leave benefits for workers.
• 😀 New housing laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom aim to address the state's housing crisis, including measures to increase affordable housing planning and renters' protections.
• 😀 Several new laws in California will streamline the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), allowing up to 8 units on a property and reducing local restrictions on design and affordability.
• 😀 SB 1037 introduces penalties for cities that do not comply with state housing laws, with fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to encourage housing development.
• 😀 New laws addressing retail theft, including measures to crack down on smash-and-grab thefts, make it easier to prosecute offenders across multiple jurisdictions.
• 😀 Proposition 36 will increase penalties for repeat offenders of retail theft and certain drug crimes, making the third offense a felony and offering a new treatment-focused court process for drug possession.
• 😀 New California laws will protect consumers from high overdraft fees by limiting charges for insufficient funds and will keep medical debt off credit reports.
• 😀 Starting in July 2025, companies will be required to make it easier for customers to cancel automatic subscription renewals, addressing the growing problem of hidden charges from subscription services.
• 😀 Federal legislation will require full transparency in hotel and event ticket pricing, eliminating surprise fees by displaying total costs up front, which could save consumers billions of dollars.

Q & A

What is the daylighting law in California, and when will fines be issued for violations?

The daylighting law prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb. This law, which began in January 2024 with warnings, will start issuing fines in January 2025 for violators, even if there are no red curbs or signage.

How will the new daylighting law improve pedestrian safety?

The new law aims to provide pedestrians, especially children, with more visibility by preventing vehicles from blocking crosswalks. This increased space helps both pedestrians see approaching cars and allows drivers to see pedestrians more clearly, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

What are some of the key housing-related laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in California?

Governor Newsom signed several bills to address the housing crisis, including measures to streamline the construction of accessible dwelling units (ADUs), which will allow up to eight ADUs on a property. Additionally, rental protections were enhanced, including new rules on security deposits, credit score reporting for good tenants, and protections for homeowners in associations.

How does Senate Bill 1037 address cities failing to comply with state housing laws?

SB 1037 enforces penalties on cities that fail to comply with state housing laws. If a city loses a lawsuit brought by the state for non-compliance, it can face fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, which will be used to fund affordable housing in that area.

What are some new laws in California aimed at combating retail theft?

California has enacted 10 new laws targeting retail theft, including the ability for district attorneys to aggregate thefts from multiple stores or counties to reach the $950 threshold for grand theft. Additionally, penalties for selling stolen property worth $50,000 or more have been increased, and law enforcement can arrest suspects without witnessing the crime.

How will Proposition 36 affect retail theft penalties in California?

Proposition 36, which takes effect in December 2024, increases penalties for repeat offenders of retail theft. It introduces a system where a third conviction can be classified as a felony, significantly raising the stakes for reoffending.

What new laws in California are aimed at reducing consumer fees and helping with financial hardship?

Several new laws focus on reducing financial burdens for consumers, including limiting overdraft fees by state-chartered banks and credit unions. Additionally, medical debt will no longer appear on credit reports, and companies will be required to make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions.

What is the goal of the new law addressing subscription cancellations in California?

The new law, which takes effect in July, aims to make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions by requiring companies to provide a cancellation method that is as easy as the one used to sign up for the service.

What does the new federal rule on junk fees aim to address?

The new federal rule, effective in April 2025, requires businesses to disclose all pricing upfront when booking hotels or purchasing tickets for events. The rule aims to eliminate surprise fees like resort or convenience fees, providing consumers with clarity on the total cost from the start.

What is the main focus of the special legislative session in California as of December 2024?

The special legislative session in California, called by Governor Gavin Newsom, focuses on preparing the state for potential challenges posed by the Trump administration. It addresses issues such as reproductive rights, immigration, and legal protections, with a focus on safeguarding Californians' rights and values.