Beginning January 01, 2022, California enacted many important reforms to its legal justice system. Below are some of the key changes that have just recently taken effect.
$15 Minimum Wage
Beginning January 01, 2022, $15/hour minimum wage will kick in for companies with 25 or more employees. $14 for those fewer than 25 employees.
Mandatory Minimums
Mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenses will be eliminated, and judges will have more discretion in granting probation or alternative sentences.
Felony Murder Rule
Felony Murder will now be restricted to only those accomplices who intended to kill or directly participated. Previously, an accomplice in any felony would be convicted of murder if someone died in its commission.
Probation Violators
Courts will now have to presume that someone arrested for a probation violation should be freed on “OR” (Own Recognizance) unless they are a public safety or flight risk.
Law Enforcement Bills
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- Minimum age to become a police officer goes up to 21 from 18
- Prohibit cops from using any restraint technique or arrest method that could involve a substantial risk of being asphyxiated
- Use of rubber bullets would be highly restricted and limited against protesters
- Police misconduct records will be expanded and made public
Gender-Neutral Store Displays
Companies that have 500 or more employees must display toys in gender-neutral ways.
*Enforcement on this one won’t start for another two years, in 2024.
Follow our blog throughout the year for all the current updates and changes to California laws.