New laws going into effect on July 1 that Californians should know
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SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — July is inching closer and with it comes the implementation of a slew of new laws that will bring big changes for Californians.
The laws, which were signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom during last year’s legislative session and go into effect on July 1, span an array of topics — from hidden fees and housing to education.
Here are new laws set to go into effect at the beginning of next month that Californians should know about:
Hidden fees – Senate Bill 478, Assembly Bill 537
Two bills passed last year, Senate Bill 478 and Assembly Bill 537, take aim at hidden fees. Under both, businesses would be require the advertised prices for goods and services to include all other mandatory charges, aside from government-imposed taxes or fees.
The new laws cover a wide range of goods and services, including concert tickets and short-term lodging such as hotels or AirBnB.
Gun tax – Assembly Bill 28
Starting on July 1, all firearms and munition will be subject to an 11% state tax. The new charge was implemented through Assembly Bill 28, which is intended to help fund school safety and violence prevention programs administered by the state.
According to an analysis for the bill, the tax is expected to generate upwards of $160 million annually. When it goes into effect, the tax will become the first-ever state tax on gun-related sales in the U.S.
Security deposits – Assembly Bill 12
Landlords will no longer be able to ask renters for a security deposit equal to as much as three months’ rent under another new law set to go into effect on July 1, Assembly Bill 12. Most security deposit requirements would be capped at the equivalent of one month’s rent.
The new law will apply to the majority of landlords’ properties, regardless of its status as furnished or unfurnished. However, there is an exception for landlords with small rental portfolios that allows for them to accept the equivalent of two months in rent for a deposit.
Drug testing kits – Assembly Bill 1013
Bars, nightclubs and other establishments that serve alcoholic beverages under a “on-sale general public premises” license will be required to have drug-testing kits available for sale beginning on July 1, when Assembly Bill 1013 goes into effect.
The measure, which is aimed at preventing spiking incidents, also stipulates that these businesses must post a notice that reads, “Don’t get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.”
Menstrual products for students – Assembly Bill 230
Assembly Bill 230 expands an existing law that requires public schools with sixth grade to twelfth grade students to provide free menstrual products in bathrooms. Under the change, schools that instruct third grade to fifth grade will also be required to provide these hygienic products.
The bill’s author said the measure was important to extend these free menstrual products to additional grades, pointing to research that indicates 10% of children who experience a period do so for the first time by the age of 10.
Building housing – Senate Bill 684
Senate Bill 684 is another new law going into effect on July 1 tied to housing, but this measure specifically aims to speed up the process to build new units by making one aspect of it more efficient: the approval of subdivision maps.
Under the law, local agencies would be required to approve maps for projects in urban areas so long as they meet certain requirements, like the project not exceeding more than 10 housing units. Proponents say the law will facilitate more medium-density housing in small lot divisions.
Certified school employees – Assembly Bill 897
Assembly Bill 897, which was signed into law last year, would extend the two-year probationary period for educators in California to those who teach adults. Typically, “general education teachers” must undergo this period before gaining permanent status.
The bill’s author said this will help improve the quality of education for adults, as well as give these educators a pathway towards greater job security and ensure that experienced educators are not dismissed unfairly.
Workplace violence prevention plan – Senate Bill 553
Employers will soon be required to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans, as soon as Senate Bill 553 goes into effect on July 1.
The bill, which was spurred by a 2021 mass shooting at a rail yard in San Jose carried out by one of its workers, would specifically require workplaces to log any incidents and to have mandatory training for its employees on how to respond to violence.
Keep kids in school – Senate Bill 274
The “Keep Kids in School” bill would expand a provision in the state’s education code to completely ban student suspensions for “willful defiance.” A previous version of the law only barred the rationale for disciplining students between kindergarten and eighth grade
According to the bill’s author, “willful defiance” has historically been used against students who are already more likely to see lower academic outcomes compared to their peers. This includes students of color, those experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and LGBTQ+ students.
Right to repair – Senate Bill 244
Senate Bill 244 would require manufacturers of electronics with wholesale prices of $50 or more to make documentation and spare parts or tools available to repair or maintain that product.
Manufacturers of products with wholesale prices of $100 or more must also provide parts and documentation, although it is expected to be available for at least seven years after the product was last manufactured.
KTXL’s Jacque Porter contributed to this report.
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