From artificial intelligence to tenants’ rights, the California Legislature passed around 1,000 new bills set to take effect in the new year. While most of those are small technical fixes to previous laws, here are a few noteworthy changes that will start being enforced in January.
Accountability for Youth Treatment Centers
In a bill championed by Paris Hilton, state-licensed residential youth treatment centers must now provide greater transparency for their practices, especially when using restraints and seclusion rooms. The law requires treatment centers to provide detailed reports to the youth, their parents and the California Department of Social Services when such tactics are used.
Cannabis Cafes and Entertainment Zones
California could soon see Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes with a new bill that authorizes local jurisdictions to allow cannabis retailers to prepare and serve noncannabis food and beverages, and sell tickets to live performances.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may remember temporary laws legalizing outdoor public consumption of alcohol in an attempt to help businesses stay afloat. That may be here to stay with a new law that lets local jurisdictions authorize “entertainment zones,” which allow bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages for customers to drink on public streets and sidewalks.
Increased Tenant’s Rights
Although renters may have failed to gain grounds with expanded rent control, a California law taking effect in January increases the time tenants have to respond after receiving an eviction notice from five business days to 10.
Credit Scores and Bank Fines
A new bill will prohibit health providers and debt collectors from reporting medical debt to consumer credit reporting agencies, meaning medical debt will no longer alter your credit score. However, this only applies to patients who owe directly to a medical provider or collection agency, not when the debt is charged on a credit card.
Californians who try to withdraw money without sufficient funds will no longer have to pay a “junk fee.” A new law will prohibit certain banks and credit unions from charging an nonsufficient funds fee when a transaction is instantaneously declined due to lack of funds.
Pedestrian Safety
In an attempt to prevent accidents and increase visibility at intersections, a new law prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, regardless of whether there is a red-painted curb or no-parking sign.
Public Safety
Gov. Gavin Newson recently signed 10 new laws to strengthen and expand public safety. In an attempt to crack down on property crime and retail theft, the new laws provide tougher penalties for repeat offenders and more tools for felony prosecutions. In combination with the passing of Proposition 36, which reclassifies some misdemeanor theft and drug crimes as felonies, Californians can expect harsher penalties for what was previously considered minor offenses.