A broad package of new California laws took effect Jan. 1, 2026, introducing changes that touch nearly every aspect of daily life, from what students are served in school cafeterias to how much diabetic patients pay for insulin, how renters’ homes are equipped and how plastic bags are handled at checkout counters.
The laws, approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to address public health, affordability, housing shortages, climate impacts and immigration-related concerns through statewide policy.
School meals and student health
California will become the first state in the nation to ban certain ultra-pro- cessed foods from public school meals under Assembly Bill 1264. The law re- moves foods identified as most concerning from being served in schools, aiming to shift cafeterias toward healthier, less processed options. State officials have framed the change as a step toward improving student nutrition, reducing diet-related health risks and supporting long-term wellness.
Schools will be required to adjust menus and procurement practices ahead of the 2026 implementation date.
Changes to college admissions
Higher education access is set to expand under Senate Bill 640, which creates a direct admissions pathway within the California State University system. Eligible high school students will receive notice of automatic admission to participating CSU campuses, reducing uncertainty in the application process.
The law also requires California Community Colleges to develop pro- grams that support smoother transfers to four-year universities. The changes are intended to strengthen coordination between the state’s public higher education systems and help students navigate academic pathways more efficiently.
Food security and family support
Several new laws focus on support- ing families with young children and addressing food insecurity. Assembly Bill 798 expands the state emergency food bank reserve program to include diapers and wipes, recognizing these items as essential necessities for families during emergencies and economic hardship.
Maternal health and workforce development are addressed through the Midwifery Workforce Training Act, Assembly Bill 836. The law directs the Department of Health Care Access and Information to administer fund- ing for statewide midwifery education programs, with the goal of increasing access to maternal care and strengthening the health care workforce, particularly in underserved areas.
Lower insulin costs
Beginning Jan. 1, Senate Bill 40 will require large state-related health insurers to cap insulin copays at $35 for a 20-day supply. The measure is aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for Californians who depend on insulin to manage diabetes, addressing long-standing concerns about afford- ability and access to life-sustaining medication.
The cap applies to certain insurers connected to state programs and employment, expanding existing cost-control efforts.
Immigration-related protections in schools and families
New laws also address immigration-related issues in schools and child-serving institutions. Assembly Bill 419 requires schools to post in- formation about students’ rights re- lated to immigration enforcement in administrative offices and on school websites. The law is intended to ensure families are informed that all children are entitled to a free public education regardless of immigration status.
The Family Preparedness Act, Assembly Bill 495, expands protections for parents and children during emergencies, including situations involving detention or family separation. The law strengthens privacy protections and limits the collection of immigration-related information by child care facilities and other child-serving agencies.
New housing requirements
Tenant protections will expand under Assembly Bill 628, which requires landlords to provide working refrigerators in rental units starting in 2026. The law establishes refrigerators as a basic habitability standard, ensuring rent- ers have access to essential appliances needed to safely store food.
The requirement applies statewide and adds to existing minimum hous- ing standards.
Planning for housing and transit
Senate Bill 79 introduces new long- term planning requirements for cities and counties, mandating comprehensive general plans that include speci- fied elements such as housing. The law is designed to promote transit-orient- ed development and encourage lo- cal governments to better align land use planning with housing needs and transportation infrastructure.
State officials have said the law is intended to address housing shortages by encouraging development in areas with access to public transit.
Stronger plastic bag rules
Environmental regulations will also tighten under Senate Bill 1053, which strengthens California’s existing plastic bag ban. The law closes loopholes that allowed thicker plastic film bags to be labeled as reusable, eliminating plastic film checkout bags altogether.
Retailers will be required to offer either truly reusable bags that meet higher durability standards or paper bags that comply with recycled-content requirements. The changes aim to reduce plastic waste, improve re- cycling outcomes and limit pollution across the state.
The laws taking effect at the start of 2026 mark another significant expansion of California’s regulatory frame- work, with impacts expected across education, health care, housing, environmental policy and family protections.
With these new laws taking place, California Governor Gavin Newsom, along with other members of the sen- ate, hope to make things easier and more accessible for residents of California. “California is proving once again that progress isn’t something we talk about, it’s something we build. While some in Washington remain stuck debating yesterday’s problems, we’re focused on delivering real solutions for today’s families,” Newsom said in a statement. “These new laws reflect who we are: a state that protects workers, respects students, puts people before politics, and isn’t afraid to hold powerful interests accountable.”
For more information about the new laws and general information about the state, visit gov.ca.gov.