Hundreds of new state laws are scheduled to go into effect in California on January 1st, including legislation that would increase penalties for retail theft, make streets safer for pedestrians, and provide paid employees with a paycheck. It includes a bill aimed at increasing vacation time.
Here are some of the new laws that will take effect on January 1st.
retail theft
Lawmakers passed several laws aimed at cracking down on retail theft, particularly theft by organized groups who seek to sell stolen goods for a profit. The package includes a number of laws that go into effect Jan. 1 that will make it easier for prosecutors to charge professional thieves and repeat offenders with felonies. among them:
This law creates new felonies for people who repeatedly commit small amounts of theft over a short period of time or who possess stolen goods for the purpose of reselling them. This measure will make it easier for police to catch shoplifters, even if they don’t witness the theft. The law will also be amended to allow people to be charged with theft from a vehicle even if the car is unlocked. This provision also makes it easier to pursue felony charges against those who repeatedly steal small amounts of merchandise. A law that allows a retailer to obtain a restraining order against a person convicted of stealing from the retailer. A law that increases penalties for retail theft organized by professional organizations.
parking fines
California drivers must always use caution while parking. Another law, which will take full effect Jan. 1, prohibits vehicles from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, regardless of whether there is a designated parking space.
The law is already in effect, but cities can begin issuing tickets to drivers starting Jan. 1. The new law aims to make streets safer for pedestrians. Fines vary by city.
transgender rights
After a national debate over whether schools should notify parents about their child’s gender identity, at least a dozen school districts in California are requiring educators to notify parents if their child requests to use a different name or pronouns. passed a policy requiring them to notify the public. A new law that takes effect on January 1 would ban these policies.
Expanding salaries and benefits
California’s minimum wage will increase from $16 an hour to $16.50 an hour on January 1st.
Several new laws also expand paid sick and family leave for employees.
One would allow workers to take more paid leave if they or their family members were victims of crime. Workers can also use their paid sick leave to serve on juries. Another law eliminated the two-week leave requirement previously required to qualify for paid family leave. This change affects employees who take time off from work to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, parent, domestic partner, or to bond with a new child.
worker rights
Employers will be prohibited from requiring workers to attend meetings discussing religious or political issues, including worker organizing. The new law bans forced “audience” meetings that some companies have used to advocate against unionization and regulations, and also prohibits retaliation against workers who refuse to attend. . Workers who refuse to attend these meetings must also be paid.
Agricultural workers and freelancers will receive new legal protections. One new law would give farmers access to paid sick leave to avoid extreme heat, smoke and flooding. Another option would require employers of freelance workers to pay wages within 30 days, unless otherwise specified in the contract, and would subject contractors to civil lawsuits if wages are not paid by the deadline. I admit that it causes
cannabis shop
Cannabis lounges will be able to host live performances and sell non-cannabis food and drinks under another new law. The law does not automatically grant permits for these events or sales, but allows local cities and counties that issue permits to local cannabis businesses to approve them.
Food delivery details
Under the new law, food delivery apps will be required to provide customers with the name and photo of their delivery driver. Information will be provided once your purchase is shipped.
