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Below is a list of some of the new California laws going into effect in 2025. Unless otherwise stated each law takes effect as of Jan. 1
Education
AB 1955 prohibits educators from being required to disclose information related to students’ sexual orientation, gender identity or expression without the student’s consent, unless otherwise required by law.
AB 1870 bans legacy admissions for universities that receive state funding. Colleges are no longer able to factor in whether an applicant has ties to donors or alumni. This does not apply to students applying for the 2025 Fall school year.
Workplace and Employment
As of Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum wage will be raised to $16.50 per hour for all California employers. This is not a legislative change but rather the result of increases in the Consumer Price Index
AB 2499 allows an employee to take paid time off when the employee or a family member employee is the victim of a crime or violence.
SB 1100 prohibits employers from requiring a valid driver license from a potential employee, unless driving is essential for the job. The law addresses discrimination against individuals without licenses.
AB 2123 allows employees to take paid family leave without using vacation time, instead of the previous process of having to take two weeks out of vacation time before being able to use family leave. The law applies to employees who need to take off due to caring for a sick family member, bonding with a new child, or because a family member is on active military duty.
SB988 ensures that independent contractors working for clients in California get timely payment for their work. It requires the hiring party provide a freelance worker with a written contract, either physically or electronically, which specifies certain things including the services the freelancer will provide, the dollar amount and method of compensation and the due dates for invoices and payment.
SB553 and SB428 help protect employees from violence or harassment at their workplaces. Together, these laws allow an employer or a union representative to seek a temporary restraining order to protect an employee who has suffered harassment, unlawful violence or a credible threat of violence.
SB1105 lets agricultural employees who work outdoors use paid sick leave to avoid smoke, heat or flooding conditions created by a local or state emergency.
SB 399 bans employers from requiring employees to attend meetings regarding religious or political issues. Employers who violate the law can face a penalty fee of $500 per employee for each violation.
Housing
SB 611 bans landlords from charging fees for a tenant who has paid rent or security deposit by check. Starting in April of 2025, landlords are required to have a written statement if their security deposit is higher than the industry standard.
SB 1037 gives the attorney general power to charge local governments penalties if they violate certain state housing laws, in response to the perceived lack of due diligence in building new homes. This includes fees up to $50,000 per month.
AB 2347 extends the time in which a tenant can respond to an eviction notice, giving them five to 10 days instead of the current day-of-notice deadline. This allows more time for renters to seek legal advice; under California law renters who do not reply by their deadline automatically lose their case.
AB 12 prohibits landlords from demanding a deposit greater than one month of rent, regardless of whether the property is furnished or unfurnished.
AB 2801 ensures that a renter who leaves a home as clean as they found it should get their deposit back in full. Landlords cannot illegally withhold deposits and residential landlords cannot inappropriately use a security deposit on things such as contract jobs or carpet cleaning. The law also requires landlords to take photos of their properties.
AB 2747 gives tenants the opportunity to build a healthy credit history by demonstrating responsible rent payments. Starting in April 2025, a landlord who owns a residential property with more than 15 units will need to provide renters with the opportunity to report positive, on-time, full payments to a nationwide credit agency.
AB 2694 and SB 1123 make building affordable homes easier. AB 2694 facilitates the development of more affordable housing options for seniors under the Density Bonus Law. SB 1123 allows the development of up to 10 homes on vacant lots in single-family zones.
AB 3057 and SB 1211 make constructing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) easier. AB 3057 allows junior ADUs to be developed with expedited environmental review. SB 1211 increases the amount of ADUs allowed on a multifamily property from two to eight.
Miscellaneous
AB-413 prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle close to a crosswalk (15-20 feet). Supporters say this “daylighting” law will reduce the risk of vehicles blocking the view of pedestrians on crosswalks.
AB2017 prohibits banks and credit unions from charging a consumer an “insufficient funds” fee when the consumer is attempting to initiate a transaction.
AB 2863 requires companies to offer a cancellation method matching the way a customer signed up for a service. For example, a customer who subscribed online must be able to cancel online with a simple click-to-cancel option.
SB 1061 removes medical debt from credit reports. This law also prohibits lenders from using medical debt as a negative factor when making credit decisions.
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