With the start of a new month comes the implementation of new laws.
Several new laws, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, will lead to higher pay for some residents, an easier way to cancel online subscriptions, and more.
Here is a breakdown of the new laws going into effect.
Minimum wage increases
Workers in several California cities will see a pay increase in their paychecks starting July 1, 2025, as local minimum wage rates take effect.
Here’s where minimum wage is increasing in the Golden State next month, according to UC Berkeley.
- Alameda – $17.46
- Berkeley – $19.18
- Emeryville – $19.90
- Fremont – $17.75
- Los Angeles – $17.87
- Los Angeles County (unincorporated) – $17.81
- Milpitas – $18.20
- Pasadena – $18.04
- San Francisco – $19.18
- Santa Monica – $17.81
Mental Health resources for students
Newsom last year signed Senate Bill 1063, which requires public or private schools serving grades 7 through 12 to provide students with identification cards featuring the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Disclosing fees for short-term rentals
Assembly Bill 2202 requires short-term rental services, like Airbnb, “to disclose any additional fees or charges that will be added to the total price to be paid, or other penalty that will be imposed, if the consumer fails to perform certain cleaning tasks at the end of the stay, as specified.”
Anyone who fails to disclose those fees could be penalized up to $10,000.
Canceling online subscriptions
Companies that offer online subscriptions must now make it just as easy for subscribers to cancel their subscriptions as it was to sign up.
It’s now illegal for companies to automatically renew a subscription without alerting you in a “clear and conspicuous manner” of the terms. Companies will also need to receive your “express affirmative consent to the automatic renewal or continuous service offer terms.”
The new law applies to signed or renewed contracts on or after July 1, 2025.
Preventing the sale of stolen goods
Senate Bill 1144 will require online marketplaces to enforce stronger rules to stop the sale of stolen goods. Platforms, like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, “to establish and maintain a policy prohibiting the sale of stolen goods on the marketplace and to provide a mechanism to notify the marketplace of the sale of stolen goods.”
The companies would also have to notify local, regional, or state law enforcement if they are aware or should be aware that a seller is attempting to sell stolen goods.
Drink lids to prevent spiking at bars in California
AB 2375 aims to protect customers by requiring bars in California to provide drink lids to any customer who asks.
The requirement is only in place for bars and nightclubs that serve alcohol but not food.
These businesses are also required to provide test kits to detect if a drink has been tampered with and post safety notices.
Health insurance for employees must cover fertility treatments
Employers with 100 or more employees are now required to offer health insurance that covers infertility diagnosis and fertility treatments.
Most new or renewed health plans must offer this coverage beginning on July 1.
Some exemptions are available for religious employers.
Workplace protections for babysitters, house cleaners
Thanks to Senate Bill 1350, workplace safety protections are now extended to babysitters, house cleaners, in-home caregivers, and other household employees.
State law previously excluded household workers from the same health and safety protections other employees receive under the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA.
Improvements to the CARE Act
Senate Bill 42 now requires California courts to keep families informed during Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act (CARE Act) proceedings.
The law also authorizes a facility, as defined, to refer an individual treated under an involuntary hold to the county behavioral health agency of the county where the individual resides or the county where the individual is receiving involuntary treatment if they believe the individual meets or is likely to meet CARE Act criteria.”