The new year will see the implementation of more than 30 new laws affecting Californians. On January 1, the state’s minimum wage will rise from $15.50 to $16 per hour. Additionally, qualified physician’s assistants will be authorized to perform abortions under a physician’s supervision. Major cities in the state, such as Los Angeles, Glendale, and Long Beach, will be permitted to install speed cameras. Below are some of the significant changes coming in the new year.
Minimum Wage Increases by 50 Cents
The minimum wage for California workers will rise by 50 cents to $16, up from $15.50 in 2023. Some city or county minimum wages are already higher than the state minimum wage. For example, Los Angeles is $16.78, and L.A. County is $16.90. The state also eliminates the overtime exemption for workers earning less than $65,000 per year or $1,280 per week. Starting April 1, 2024, the minimum wage for franchisees with 60 or more units will be $20 per hour.
Speed cameras will be allowed in major California cities including Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach, San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland. If a driver is going 11 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, a ticket will automatically be issued.
State Parks: Reservations (AB 618)
This law aims to encourage more use of state parks and popular campgrounds. If you cancel your campsite reservation at least seven days in advance, you’ll receive a credit toward another reservation for the next five years. If you don’t show up on the first day of your reservation, you’ll lose the rest of your reservation. The maximum rental period for campgrounds is 30 days per year, and 7 consecutive nights during peak season.
Hotel and Private Residence Rental Reservations: Cancellation: Refunds (SB 644)
Cancellations for in-state accommodations have been simplified. If you book a hotel or Airbnb at least 72 hours in advance, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking and not pay a penalty.
Consumers Legal Remedies Act: Advertisements (SB 478)
Starting July 1, 2024, hidden fees for online lodging, tickets, and deliveries that are not disclosed until the final purchase completion will be prohibited. Businesses must display the true cost of the service.
Food Safety: Food Handlers (SB 476)
Employers, such as restaurants, are required to pay for the cost of obtaining a food handler card for employees working on their business premises. Employees are not responsible for covering the cost.
Gender Neutral Retail Toys (AB 1084)
Retail stores are required to have gender-neutral toy areas. These areas will display toys not traditionally associated with a specific gender, such as girls or boys.
Hate Crimes: Nooses, Crosses, and Swastikas (AB 2282)
Punishment will be strengthened for using hate symbols aimed at certain races or genders, like the “Swastika” symbolizing the Nazis or the “noose” symbolizing the punishment of black slaves, to scare others. Such symbols are also prohibited in schools, cemeteries, chapels, workplaces, private land, public lands, or facilities. Certain symbols used to intimidate or threaten minority groups could be treated as hate crimes.
Physician Assistant Practice Act: Abortion by Aspiration: Training (SB 385)
Physician’s assistants who meet specific qualifications can perform abortions under the supervision of a doctor.
Public Postsecondary Education: Course Materials (AB 607)
From the 2024-2025 school year, community colleges (CCs) and state universities (CSUs) must announce expected tuition fees. UC schools have already voluntarily complied.
Firearms (SB 2)
The law restricts concealed carry of firearms in public places. Concealed carry of firearms under the age of 21 is restricted, and everyone who has obtained a concealed carry license must be trained in firearm carrying, safe storage, and transportation methods.
Serious Felonies: Human Trafficking (SB 14)
Prostitution involving minors is automatically regarded as a felony equivalent to rape or murder. If charged with a felony, plea bargains are also restricted.
Controlled Substances: Fentanyl (AB 701)
Individuals found guilty of trading or attempting to trade over 1 kg of fentanyl will face harsher punishment, including increased prison sentences.
Pretrial Diversion: Borderline Personality Disorder (AB 1412)
Individuals with borderline personality disorder charged with a nonviolent crime can receive mental health treatment instead of imprisonment. This practice was already applied to those with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM, JUNHAN PARK [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
