By CalMatters
Originally published Dec. 26, 2024
Cannabis cafes and expanded outdoor drinking? An end to a banking fee? More protections for your credit score if you face medical debt? These are among the roughly 1,000 new laws hitting California starting the first day of 2025.
If that sounds like a lot, it could have been much more: 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. Gavin Newsom vetoed 200 of those. And that’s the bureaucratic funnel in a nutshell.
Most of these incoming laws are technical, fix previous laws or are narrow in scope. But there are some that affect lots of Californians, or are just plain interesting.
There are the consumer finance protection laws, numerous education-related laws — including one to expand alcohol education that was written by a former lawmaker arrested for a DUI — as well as a law banning local voter ID rules and another granting a few more days to fight an eviction. Paris Hilton makes a cameo, too.
CalMatters reporters describe some of the noteworthy laws taking effect Jan. 1. Dive in to stay informed about the changes that matter to you — and keep coming back as we add more stories about new laws before 2024 rides off into the California sunset.
Cannabis cafes and entertainment zones among new laws for 2025
The state is allowing more on-street alcohol sales and food in cannabis lounges. Supporters say the laws will boost downtown economies.
A new California law bans your boss from ordering you to attend anti-union meetings
Gov. Newsom and legislative Democrats pushed through a law that bans employers from requiring workers to attend ‘captive audience meetings.’ It was the latest victory for the labor movement at the state Capitol.
Troubled California teens gain protections under a new law championed by Paris Hilton
Hilton, the latest celebrity to lobby the Legislature, persuaded it to pass a law that brings more transparency on the use of restraints and seclusion rooms.
California’s lemon law is changing and car buyers have fewer protections in the new year
Californians who purchase a clunker car in 2025 face a confusing year as new lemon law rules take effect and the state Supreme Court limited warranty protections for used vehicles. Lawmakers are revisiting the rules, but consumers could see weaker protections until new laws are passed.
New law could help tenants facing eviction stay in their homes
Voters said no to expanded rent control, but tenants facing evictions will have more time to fight to keep their homes under a new California law.
California bans schools from forcing teachers to ‘out’ LGBTQ students
New California law prevents schools from requiring staff to notify parents if a student identifies as LGBTQ. It’s in response to some districts requiring staff to notify parents when students identify as a gender other than what’s in their official files.
New California voter ID ban puts conservative cities at odds with state
A new law prohibits local governments from mandating voter identification, but Huntington Beach is fighting back.
California limits junk fees: New law blocks fines for declined ATM withdrawals
A new California law will prohibit state-chartered banks from charging fees for withdrawals that are instantaneously declined.
Most medical debt can no longer hurt your credit score under new California law
A new state law will keep medical debt off your credit report, sparing a hit to your all-important credit score. This is a big deal for California where millions struggle with unpaid medical bills. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.
California stiffened penalties for theft — and more changes are coming
New California laws taking effect Jan. 1 aim to make it easier to prosecute people accused of retail theft. Separately, voters passed Prop. 36 to toughen sentences for theft and drug offenses.
Emergency room workers are facing more attacks. A new California law increases penalties
A new California law imposes harsher penalties for assaulting emergency room workers. It responds to rising attacks on health care workers, despite concerns from progressives and prison-reform advocates
New law inspired by ex-lawmaker’s DUI adds to alcohol education in California schools
California public schools will expand alcohol education in 2025 thanks to a new law. The law’s author, Wendy Carrillo, wrote the legislation following her DUI arrest, saying she didn’t want students to make the same mistakes she did.
