Certain laws in California are effective as of July 1.
These new rules tax weapons and ammunition, mandate that bars provide date-rape drug test kits to patrons, do away with unseen or garbage fines, expand access to menstruation products in schools, cap security deposits, and mandate that workplace violence prevention programs be implemented by companies.
Guns and ammunition are subject to an 11% state tax under the Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act. The first state to do so is California, and the money raised will support initiatives aimed at preventing violence and enhancing school safety.
SB 684: BUILDING HOME OWNERSHIP
The goal of SB 684 is to expedite the building of housing developments. It mandates that counties and cities accept projects with ten or less dwelling units in metropolitan areas without holding votes or public hearings. The maximum size of the lot is five acres. The law only currently applies to sites zoned for multifamily housing, but it was previously applicable in single-family residential zoning districts due to a late revision.
AB 1013: DATE-RAPE DRUG TESTING KITS IN BARS
This law requires certain holders of alcoholic beverage licenses to provide drug testing kits to customers for sale or at no cost. Locations holding a Type 48 license ought to post notices alerting individuals to the availability of date-rape drug testing kits. The responsibility of obtaining kits will lie with each institution; neither the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control nor its suppliers will offer them for sale.
SB 478: ELIMINATING HIDDEN/JUNK FEES
This law is about price transparency. The rule, as stated by California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s Office, “makes it illegal for businesses to advertise or list a price for a good or service that does not include all required fees or charges other than certain government taxes and shipping costs.” It simply means that a company cannot “surprise” a consumer by adding an unanticipated price to their bill; it has no bearing on what a business may charge or what may be included in the pricing.
Currently, lawmakers are working quickly to expedite the restaurant exception.
The “Keep Kids in School” bill amends the education legislation to forbid K–12 student suspensions on the grounds of “willful defiance.” The prior code was limited to grades K–8. Research indicates that kids of color, homeless students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students are more likely than their peers to be suspended for “willful defiance,” according to a section of the law that addresses this issue.
AB 230: MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS
Public schools serving grades 6 through 12 are required by law to provide free menstruation supplies in their facilities. The new law, AB 230, extends the mandate to public schools that teach grades 3-5. This means that free menstrual products are now required for students in grades 3-12.
The purpose of the Right to Repair Act is to facilitate electronic device owners’ ability to fix their own gadgets or bring them to independent repair shops. For seven years following the manufacturing of devices sold for more than $100, manufacturers are required by law to make tools, parts, and software available. Three years is a shorter period of time for less costly equipment.
Landlords are not permitted to request security deposits larger than one month’s rent under AB 12. It is intended to increase housing accessibility and affordability because some landlords have previously demanded two to three months’ rent. Even in cases where repairs surpass the amount of the security deposit, landlords may still pursue damages from tenants.
SB 553: WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION
Employers must create and implement workplace violence prevention programs in accordance with this regulation. There are very few exceptions, and it applies to practically all employers. The anti-retaliation clause must be included, the strategy must be in writing, and it must be easily accessible. Additionally, employers are required to maintain event records for workplace violence, train staff members annually on legal requirements, how to report instances, and maintain a record of that training.
