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As the new year begins, California continues its forward momentum with a new set of
laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom that improve the health, safety, and well-being
of all Californians.
California lawmakers introduced nearly 5,000 bills in the most recent legislative session
ending this fall, a two-year period that saw nearly half die without a single vote. In all,
lawmakers passed about 1,200 bills in 2024 and Gov. Newsom vetoed 200 of those.
“California’s new laws tackle today’s biggest emerging challenges head-on — from
cracking down on retail crime to protecting your digital identity. Through partnership with
the Legislature, we’re strengthening public safety, building more housing, and providing
more resources for our communities. These practical reforms protect what matters most
while creating more opportunities for all Californians,” Gov. Newsom said in a
statement.
Here are some of the new laws either approved or taking effect in 2025.
Worker Protections
Ending subminimum wages: SB 639 (enacted in 2021) by Senator María Elena
Durazo (D-Los Angeles) fully takes effect in January 2025, ensuring workers with
disabilities earn at least the standard minimum wage by ending new subminimum-wage
licenses and phasing out existing licenses. By guaranteeing fair pay, California affirms
that every worker — regardless of ability — deserves dignity and equal treatment.
Safety during extreme weather: Farmworkers can now take needed sick leave during
certain dangerous weather conditions, thanks to SB 1105 by Senator Steve Padilla (D-
Chula Vista).
Event safety standards: AB 2738 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (now Member-elect
of the U.S. House of Representatives) builds upon existing safety and training
requirements for live events before the show starts — helping protect workers and
audiences alike.
Fair treatment for freelancers: SB 988 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)
guarantees freelancers written agreements and timely payment for work worth more
than $250.
No unnecessary driver’s license requirements: SB 1100 by Senator Anthony
Portantino (D-Burbank) bars employers from requiring a driver’s license unless driving is
actually part of the job,
Addressing food & medical deserts: SB 1089 by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
(D-Los Angeles) requires grocery stores and pharmacies to provide advance notice to
the community and workers before closures, helping to address food deserts that
disproportionately affect low-income communities.
Public Safety
Electric Bicycle Regulations. Senate Bill 1271, authored by Senator Dave Min, (D-
Irvine). mandates safety testing and labeling for electric bicycles, powered mobility
devices, and lithium-ion batteries. This bill will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Impoundment for vehicles used in speed contests. Assembly Bill 2186 is
sponsored by Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Rancho Mirage). The bill permits the
impoundment of vehicles used in exhibitions of speed for up to 30 days.
Warrant for vehicles used in speed contests. Assembly Bill 3085, sponsored by
Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Gardena) allows the impoundment of vehicles used
in speed contests or exhibitions with a warrant.
Housing
More time to respond to evictions. Assemblymember Ash Kaira (D-San Jose)
authored the new housing protection Assembly Bill 2347. It gives renters more time to
respond to eviction notices. Renters now have 10 business days to respond vs. the
previous 5-day time limit.
Reporting positive rent payment history to boost your credit score. Under
Assembly Bill 2747, landlords will be required to offer tenants the option of having
positive rental payment information reported to at least one nationwide consumer credit
reporting agency–a choice that was previously reserved for those living in subsidized
affordable housing. The bill is sponsored by Senator Matt Haney (D-San Francisco).
For existing leases, landlords need to offer this choice to their tenants no later than April
1, 2025. For all lease agreements entered into after April 1, the offer must be made at
the time an agreement is reached and once annually thereafter.
Consumer Finance
Medical debt won’t damage your credit. A new state law will keep medical debt off
your credit report, sparing a hit to your all-important credit score. Senate Bill 1061 was
authored by Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara).
Voting
A new law bans voter ID rules. Senate Bill 1174 prohibits local governments across
California from compelling voters to present identification to cast a ballot in an election.
The bill was authored by state Senator Min.
Economy
Drink alcohol on public streets. Senate Bill 969, authored by state Sen. Wiener, will
let local governments designate “entertainment zones,” where bars and restaurants can
sell alcoholic beverages for people to drink on public streets and sidewalks.
Cannabis cafes. AB 1775 legalizes Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes, allowing lounges
to also sell food and drinks that aren’t pre-packaged. After opposition from the American
Heart and Lung Association and Newsom’s veto of a similar bill in 2022, AB 1775
includes additional protections for workers against secondhand smoke. Authored by
state Senator Haney.
Crime
Locked door loophole for automotive property thefts ends. Under SB 905,
California car owners no longer have to prove their car was locked when it was broken
into.
Previously, “The mere fact that a window was broken into (was) insufficient.
Prosecutors had to prove that the door was locked, which require(d) that victims must
physically come out to court to testify as such,” bill sponsor state Senator Wiener said.
Stronger petty theft laws. AB 2943 doubles probation for persons convicted of
shoplifting or petty theft from one year to two years. Defendants under 25 may be
referred to rehabilitative programs. The bill was written by Assemblymembers Robert
Rivas (D-Salinas) and Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles).
For more information on the new 2025 laws, visit https://CalMatters.org.
