CALIFORNIA —Last year, over 1,000 new laws were passed by the State Legislature and signed by Governor Newsom. Here is a brief summary of a few of these laws:

• Thanks to SB 616, authored by Lena Gonzalez (D - Long Beach), all workers in California are now guaranteed five days of paid sick leave per year, up from the three days employers were required to provide in 2023. Gonzalez originally sought seven days, but during the legislative process, this figure was reduced.
• Drafted by Sharon Quirk-Silva (D - Fullerton) to help support the legalized cannabis industry, AB 2188 makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person because of their use of cannabis away from the workplace. The law does not apply to building and construction trades employees or workers hired for positions requiring a federal background investigation or security clearance.
• SB 700, written by Stephen Bradford (D - Carson), prohibits employers from requesting information from a job applicant about their prior use of cannabis.
• As of 1/1/2024, California’s minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour. In April, the minimum wage of fast-food workers will rise to $20 per hour.
• Starting in July, landlords will be prohibited from charging more than one month’s rent for a security deposit.
• SB 43, created by Susan Talamantes-Eggman (D - Stockton), expands the definition of a person who is a danger to themselves or others to include those with severe substance abuse issues, including chronic alcoholism. This measure will make it easier for counties to put people who are unable to keep themselves safe into medical treatment.
• AB 2773, written by Chris Holden (D - Pasadena), requires “peace officers” making a traffic or pedestrian stop to state the reason for the stop before asking any questions related to a criminal investigation or traffic violation “unless the officer reasonably believes withholding the reason for the stop is necessary to protect life or property from imminent threat.” Moreover, information regarding a person’s civil rights will now be included in future editions of DMV’s Driver’s Handbook, and law enforcement agencies will be required to make an annual report to the Attorney General concerning all stops made during the prior year. Furthermore, “Data reported shall be available to the public, except badge number or other unique identifying matter.”
• AB 1366 will allow the state attorney general to pursue repayment of revenue gained by companies who violate unfair competition or false advertising laws. After the governor signed the bill last October, the bill’s author, Brian Maienschein (D - San Diego), said, “When a predatory business takes advantage of a consumer, it’s only right that the proceeds gained from illegal conduct should go towards compensating victims rather than remaining in the bank accounts of bad actors.”