More than 900 new laws were approved this year in California, and many of them will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The state laws range from an increase in the minimum wage, low-cost insulin, and protections for consumers, workers and renters. Others impact small businesses and the artificial intelligence industry. Another set of laws aims to speed up the reporting of election results. More laws will go into effect starting in July. On the federal level, workers across the U.S. will have tax relief for overtime and tips. They can deduct the “half” portion of their time-and-a-half pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, capped at $12,500 annually for individuals. Workers who accept tips may deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips annually.See below for a round-up of some of California’s new laws by category. Laws that impact workersMinimum wage: Under SB 3, the minimum wage is set to increase to $16.90 per hour to account for inflation. The threshold for exempt workers will rise to $70,304 per year. Some local minimum wages, along with wages for fast food and health care industries, are higher. Learn more about California’s hike and how it compares to other states here. Tip theft enforcement: Under SB 648, the California Labor Commissioner can investigate, issue citations or file for civil action over tips that an employer takes from a worker. Expanded leave situations: AB 406 lets workers use paid sick leave and certain unpaid leave if the worker or a family member is a victim of a crime and needs to attend judicial proceedings. ‘Stay or pay’ contracts banned: Starting on Jan. 1, AB 692 prohibits new contracts that require a worker to pay their employer back for training costs or face a penalty fee if they quit early. There are some exceptions.Hiring pay ranges: SB 642 requires employers to provide a good faith pay range for a new hire and has other provisions related to pay equity.Layoff notices: SB 617 requires employers, when ordering mass layoffs, to provide written notice if they plan to coordinate services through a local workforce development board and share information about CalFresh assistance.Bias training: SB 303 protects workers who acknowledge in good faith their own personal bias when participating in bias mitigation training. The law says that admission does not constitute unlawful discrimination.Laws to benefit businesses Restaurant building plants: AB 671 establishes a streamlined approval process for small restaurants to retrofit existing spaces.Outdoor dining options: AB 592 allows restaurants to continue to offer COVID-19-era outdoor dining options. The bill also allows open windows and folding doors for restaurants with open kitchens.Laws to benefit consumers Food delivery app accountability: AB 578 requires food delivery platforms to provide refunds for any undelivered items. App users can adjust their tips accordingly. The law also requires the companies to clearly disclose the cost of food, fees and tips.Overdraft fee limit for credit unions: SB 1075, which was approved in 2024, takes effect on Jan. 1. It prevents credit unions from charging more than $14 for an overdraft fee.Self-storage rental agreements: SB 709 requires a self-storage rental agreement to disclose whether the rental fee is discounted or promotional, and the maximum fee the owner could charge for the first year of the agreement.Data breach notification: SB 446 requires that data breach disclosures must be made within 30 calendar days of discovery or notification, though there could be exceptions for law enforcement purposes.Laws that impact AIAI safety reports: SB 53 requires the largest AI companies to make public their safety and security protocols, report critical safety incidents, and strengthen whistleblower protections for those who speak out about safety concerns. The protocols and safety incidents will have to be submitted to the California Office of Emergency Services.Deepfake pornography: AB 621 imposes fines against providers of deepfake pornography.AI disclosure by law enforcement: SB 524 requires law enforcement agencies to disclose when AI is used to create police reports.AI use for medical advice: AB 489 prohibits generative AI products from implying or indicating that advice and care reports are being provided by a person with a health care license or certificate.Laws that impact educationAntisemitism coordinator for schools: AB 715 establishes an Office of Civil Rights to prevent and address discrimination and includes an antisemitism coordinator appointed by the governor.Guaranteed Cal State admission: SB 640 expands a direct admission program for qualified high school students. The students are guaranteed admission to CSU campuses.Laws that impact electionsSpeedier election count: AB 5 requires election officials to finish counting most ballots and release the count by the 13th day after an election. Counties can file a notice for an extension. Until now, counties had until 31 days after the election to send the Secretary of State a copy of all election results. Earlier processing for vote-by-mail ballots: AB 16 allows officials to begin processing mail-in ballots at any point after they are mailed. Until now, elections officials couldn’t begin processing ballots until 29 days before an election even though some counties sent them earlier. Shorter deadlines for dealing with signature issues: AB 827 reduces the amount of time that counties have for letting people know about issues with their signature verification, and the deadline for the voter to fix the issue. In statewide elections, officials will have 14 days after an election (down from 22 previously) to provide notice to the voter about the issue. The voter would have 22 calendar days after the election (down from 28 previously) to verify their signature. Digital precinct maps: AB 17 requires the registrar of voters in each county to make available a free digital map that shows the boundaries of each precinct.Laws that impact health Low-cost insulin: Under SB 40, California will require large group health plans to limit co-pays for insulin to $35 for a 30-day supply. Also, starting on Jan. 1, the state will begin selling insulin under its own label, CalRx. Insulin pens will be available at pharmacies for a recommended price of $11 per pen, or a maximum of $55 for a five-pack.Privacy protections: AB 82 expands privacy protections for gender-affirming care.Hemp regulation: AB 8 bans industrial hemp extract from being put into food, food additives, beverages, or dietary supplements unless it has a purity level greater than 99% and does not contain any tetrahydrocannabinols or synthetic cannabinoids. The law is aimed at cracking down on intoxicating hemp products.Fortified store-bought tortillas: Under AB 1830, most store-bought corn tortillas and other corn masa products must be fortified with folic acid. The law was passed in 2024 to help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. Small businesses that make the products are exempt.Laws related to animals and the environmentProtections for blue whales: AB 14 aims to help protect blue whales by incentivizing voluntary shipping companies to slow their speeds along the California coast.Cat declawing ban: AB 867 bans cat owners from having their cats declawed.Plastic grocery bag ban: SB 1053 bans grocery stores from providing customers with plastic shopping bags. This new law bans an exception in a previous law that allowed thicker plastic bags that can be reused.Laws that impact housing Stoves and refrigerators for renters: AB 628 requires landlords to provide working stoves and refrigerators for tenants as part of lease agreements starting on Jan. 1. Landlords would also have to repair or replace the appliances if they are subject to a recall. Tenants and landlords could mutually agree for a tenant to choose to provide and maintain their own refrigerator.Laws that impact crime and public safety Penalties for criminals who buy teens for sex: AB 379 makes it a felony for older adults to buy 16 and 17-year-olds for sex. It also makes it a misdemeanor crime again in California to loiter with the intent to purchase anyone for sex.Sexual assault lawsuits: AB 250 gives adult victims of sexual assault more time to file lawsuits. From Jan. 1, 2026, until Dec. 31, 2027, the law waives statutes of limitations for the lawsuits if the survivors allege a cover-up. Public entities are exempt.Identification for law enforcement: SB 805 requires law enforcement officers operating in California to display their agency and a name or badge number to the public, with some exceptions.Other laws taking effect in JanuaryDiwali recognized as a holiday: AB 268 recognizes Diwali as an official state holiday. The law authorizes public schools and community colleges to close, while state employees could also take the day off. Diwali falls on Sunday, Nov. 8 in 2026, meaning the holiday would be observed on the following Monday.Parking ticket hardship: AB 1299 allows agencies to reduce or waive parking penalties if the person can show evidence of an inability to pay it in full because of financial hardship or homelessness. The person could file a request for a payment plan.A new law that takes effect on Oct. 1Used car protections: SB 766 allows people who buy or lease a used car to return it within three days. It also requires certain disclosures from the dealer.More laws will take effect in July 2026. Here are some of them.Food allergen notification at restaurants: With SB 68, California becomes the first state in the nation to require restaurants to list major food allergens on their menus.Face-covering ban: Most law enforcement agencies are prohibited from covering their faces under SB 627. The issue is facing litigation in court. Chatbot safety: SB 243 requires companies that make AI-powered chatbots to report safety concerns, such as if a user expresses thoughts of self-harm. They also must clearly notify users that they are talking to a computer, not a person. Housing near transportation stops: SB 79 allows homes to be built near major transportation stops. Limits for ads on streaming platforms: Under SB 576, video streaming services won’t be able to make the volume of ads louder than the video that consumers are watching.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
More than 900 new laws were approved this year in California, and many of them will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
The state laws range from an increase in the minimum wage, low-cost insulin, and protections for consumers, workers and renters. Others impact small businesses and the artificial intelligence industry. Another set of laws aims to speed up the reporting of election results.
More laws will go into effect starting in July.
On the federal level, workers across the U.S. will have tax relief for overtime and tips. They can deduct the “half” portion of their time-and-a-half pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, capped at $12,500 annually for individuals. Workers who accept tips may deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips annually.
See below for a round-up of some of California’s new laws by category.
Laws that impact workers
Minimum wage: Under SB 3, the minimum wage is set to increase to $16.90 per hour to account for inflation. The threshold for exempt workers will rise to $70,304 per year. Some local minimum wages, along with wages for fast food and health care industries, are higher. Learn more about California’s hike and how it compares to other states here.
Tip theft enforcement: Under SB 648, the California Labor Commissioner can investigate, issue citations or file for civil action over tips that an employer takes from a worker.
Expanded leave situations: AB 406 lets workers use paid sick leave and certain unpaid leave if the worker or a family member is a victim of a crime and needs to attend judicial proceedings.
‘Stay or pay’ contracts banned: Starting on Jan. 1, AB 692 prohibits new contracts that require a worker to pay their employer back for training costs or face a penalty fee if they quit early. There are some exceptions.
Hiring pay ranges: SB 642 requires employers to provide a good faith pay range for a new hire and has other provisions related to pay equity.
Layoff notices: SB 617 requires employers, when ordering mass layoffs, to provide written notice if they plan to coordinate services through a local workforce development board and share information about CalFresh assistance.
Bias training: SB 303 protects workers who acknowledge in good faith their own personal bias when participating in bias mitigation training. The law says that admission does not constitute unlawful discrimination.
Laws to benefit businesses
Restaurant building plants: AB 671 establishes a streamlined approval process for small restaurants to retrofit existing spaces.
Outdoor dining options: AB 592 allows restaurants to continue to offer COVID-19-era outdoor dining options. The bill also allows open windows and folding doors for restaurants with open kitchens.
Laws to benefit consumers
Food delivery app accountability: AB 578 requires food delivery platforms to provide refunds for any undelivered items. App users can adjust their tips accordingly. The law also requires the companies to clearly disclose the cost of food, fees and tips.
Overdraft fee limit for credit unions: SB 1075, which was approved in 2024, takes effect on Jan. 1. It prevents credit unions from charging more than $14 for an overdraft fee.
Self-storage rental agreements: SB 709 requires a self-storage rental agreement to disclose whether the rental fee is discounted or promotional, and the maximum fee the owner could charge for the first year of the agreement.
Data breach notification: SB 446 requires that data breach disclosures must be made within 30 calendar days of discovery or notification, though there could be exceptions for law enforcement purposes.
Laws that impact AI
AI safety reports: SB 53 requires the largest AI companies to make public their safety and security protocols, report critical safety incidents, and strengthen whistleblower protections for those who speak out about safety concerns. The protocols and safety incidents will have to be submitted to the California Office of Emergency Services.
Deepfake pornography: AB 621 imposes fines against providers of deepfake pornography.
AI disclosure by law enforcement: SB 524 requires law enforcement agencies to disclose when AI is used to create police reports.
AI use for medical advice: AB 489 prohibits generative AI products from implying or indicating that advice and care reports are being provided by a person with a health care license or certificate.
Laws that impact education
Antisemitism coordinator for schools: AB 715 establishes an Office of Civil Rights to prevent and address discrimination and includes an antisemitism coordinator appointed by the governor.
Guaranteed Cal State admission: SB 640 expands a direct admission program for qualified high school students. The students are guaranteed admission to CSU campuses.
Laws that impact elections
Speedier election count: AB 5 requires election officials to finish counting most ballots and release the count by the 13th day after an election. Counties can file a notice for an extension. Until now, counties had until 31 days after the election to send the Secretary of State a copy of all election results.
Earlier processing for vote-by-mail ballots: AB 16 allows officials to begin processing mail-in ballots at any point after they are mailed. Until now, elections officials couldn’t begin processing ballots until 29 days before an election even though some counties sent them earlier.
Shorter deadlines for dealing with signature issues: AB 827 reduces the amount of time that counties have for letting people know about issues with their signature verification, and the deadline for the voter to fix the issue. In statewide elections, officials will have 14 days after an election (down from 22 previously) to provide notice to the voter about the issue. The voter would have 22 calendar days after the election (down from 28 previously) to verify their signature.
Digital precinct maps: AB 17 requires the registrar of voters in each county to make available a free digital map that shows the boundaries of each precinct.
Laws that impact health
Low-cost insulin: Under SB 40, California will require large group health plans to limit co-pays for insulin to $35 for a 30-day supply. Also, starting on Jan. 1, the state will begin selling insulin under its own label, CalRx. Insulin pens will be available at pharmacies for a recommended price of $11 per pen, or a maximum of $55 for a five-pack.
Privacy protections: AB 82 expands privacy protections for gender-affirming care.
Hemp regulation: AB 8 bans industrial hemp extract from being put into food, food additives, beverages, or dietary supplements unless it has a purity level greater than 99% and does not contain any tetrahydrocannabinols or synthetic cannabinoids. The law is aimed at cracking down on intoxicating hemp products.
Fortified store-bought tortillas: Under AB 1830, most store-bought corn tortillas and other corn masa products must be fortified with folic acid. The law was passed in 2024 to help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. Small businesses that make the products are exempt.
Laws related to animals and the environment
Protections for blue whales: AB 14 aims to help protect blue whales by incentivizing voluntary shipping companies to slow their speeds along the California coast.
Cat declawing ban: AB 867 bans cat owners from having their cats declawed.
Plastic grocery bag ban: SB 1053 bans grocery stores from providing customers with plastic shopping bags. This new law bans an exception in a previous law that allowed thicker plastic bags that can be reused.
Laws that impact housing
Stoves and refrigerators for renters: AB 628 requires landlords to provide working stoves and refrigerators for tenants as part of lease agreements starting on Jan. 1. Landlords would also have to repair or replace the appliances if they are subject to a recall. Tenants and landlords could mutually agree for a tenant to choose to provide and maintain their own refrigerator.
Laws that impact crime and public safety
Penalties for criminals who buy teens for sex: AB 379 makes it a felony for older adults to buy 16 and 17-year-olds for sex. It also makes it a misdemeanor crime again in California to loiter with the intent to purchase anyone for sex.
Sexual assault lawsuits: AB 250 gives adult victims of sexual assault more time to file lawsuits. From Jan. 1, 2026, until Dec. 31, 2027, the law waives statutes of limitations for the lawsuits if the survivors allege a cover-up. Public entities are exempt.
Identification for law enforcement: SB 805 requires law enforcement officers operating in California to display their agency and a name or badge number to the public, with some exceptions.
Other laws taking effect in January
Diwali recognized as a holiday: AB 268 recognizes Diwali as an official state holiday. The law authorizes public schools and community colleges to close, while state employees could also take the day off. Diwali falls on Sunday, Nov. 8 in 2026, meaning the holiday would be observed on the following Monday.
Parking ticket hardship: AB 1299 allows agencies to reduce or waive parking penalties if the person can show evidence of an inability to pay it in full because of financial hardship or homelessness. The person could file a request for a payment plan.
A new law that takes effect on Oct. 1
Used car protections: SB 766 allows people who buy or lease a used car to return it within three days. It also requires certain disclosures from the dealer.
More laws will take effect in July 2026. Here are some of them.
Food allergen notification at restaurants: With SB 68, California becomes the first state in the nation to require restaurants to list major food allergens on their menus.
Face-covering ban: Most law enforcement agencies are prohibited from covering their faces under SB 627. The issue is facing litigation in court.
Chatbot safety: SB 243 requires companies that make AI-powered chatbots to report safety concerns, such as if a user expresses thoughts of self-harm. They also must clearly notify users that they are talking to a computer, not a person.
Housing near transportation stops: SB 79 allows homes to be built near major transportation stops.
Limits for ads on streaming platforms: Under SB 576, video streaming services won’t be able to make the volume of ads louder than the video that consumers are watching.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel