Beginning January 01, 2024, California enacted many important reforms to its legal justice system. Below are some of the key changes that have just recently taken effect.
Workplace Changes
Minimum Wage and Sick Time Off
Beginning January 01, 2024, a $16/hour minimum wage will kick in. This increase was triggered by the recent spike in inflation rates. Fast food workers will have their wages increased to $20 an hour starting in April, and healthcare workers will be bumped up to $23 an hour by June. Along with that, increases in sick time off will be implemented, giving workers up to 5 days a year of paid sick leave.
Housing
Security Deposits and Evictions
This new law will limit the amount landlords can charge for a security deposit to just one month. When it comes to evictions, the state of California has made it harder to evict tenants by requiring that either the property owners or their family members move into the property within 90 days and live there for at least a year. This law also requires notice to the tenants and will penalize owners who fail to follow the law.
Credit History Discrimination
In order to prevent discrimination, changes to SB 267 prohibit landlords from relying solely on an individual’s credit history, unless the applicant is given the opportunity to present alternative proof of their capacity to cover their portion of the rent. This alternative evidence could include benefit statements, pay records, or bank statements. Landlords are required to allow a reasonable timeframe for the submission of such information and must fairly consider it as an alternative to the applicant’s credit history when making decisions about offering a lease agreement.
Transit
Speed Cameras
Six cities—Glendale, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose—are set to install speed cameras. This law also mandates the posting of warnings, indicating that drivers may receive tickets if they fail to reduce their speed before approaching the cameras. The cameras will be able to pick up cars going at least 11mph above the limit and the fines will range from $50 – $500. The cameras will prioritize areas around schools, high- injury intersections, and known street racing areas to reduce speeding and trafficking accidents.
Internet and Social Media
California Consumer Privacy Act
The California Consumer Privacy Act establishes standards for the collection and use of personal data and prevents businesses from selling or sharing their sensitive data.
California Delete Act
The California Delete Act aims to empower consumers with greater control over their personal data. Starting in January, the legislation mandates that data brokers must register with the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA). By 2026, the CPPA will develop a system allowing consumers to instruct all data brokers to erase their personal information.
Firearms
Participants in mental health diversion, as mandated by AB 455, will lose the privilege of owning or possessing firearms if ordered by the court. The court can also seize firearms in situations involving a domestic violence protective order (AB 818) or at the scene of a domestic violence incident. Under AB 28, a new law will impose a tax on licensed firearm dealers, manufacturers, and ammunition vendors. The proceeds will fund anti-gun violence programs.
Drugs and Drug Treatment
Fentanyl
Starting January 1, 2024, California will enact more severe penalties for individuals found guilty of trafficking substantial quantities of fentanyl. Under AB 701, fentanyl will be categorized alongside heroin, cocaine, and other controlled substances, resulting in more stringent consequences and sentencing enhancements for those involved in distribution. Consequently, individuals convicted of trafficking one kilogram or more of fentanyl will encounter significantly stricter sentencing measures.
Drug Treatment
Californians struggling with opioid addiction will have the opportunity to acquire essential medications through mobile pharmacies. With the implementation of AB 663, pharmacies are permitted to establish mobile avenues for obtaining crucial medicines such as buprenorphine, a substance employed in the treatment of opioid addiction. Those in need of this medication will also have the option to enroll in treatment and recovery services for drug addiction. This would remove any extra barriers for people to obtain the help they need.
Criminal Law Updates
Sentencing
According to AB 600, courts have the authority to reconsider a sentence and reevaluate a defendant’s criminal case to align with any new laws. The agreement of the district attorney or Attorney General is no longer required for this. Courts will now take into account postconviction factors, assessing whether incarceration remains in the interest of justice. For example, if there’s proof that the defendant’s rights were violated, the court might decide to change the sentence. However, if the court determines that the defendant poses an unreasonable risk to public safety, resentencing may not be pursued.