By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
California legislators sent hundreds of bills proposing new laws to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, 35 of which the governor gave his approval to by signing them into law. Some of these new state laws may have an effect on your everyday life.
Artificial Intelligence
AB 2602 – Makes it illegal to use artificial intelligence to replicate an actor’s voice or likeness without permission.
AB 1836 – Prohibits the use of dead actors’ voices or likeness without the consent of their estate.
Automobiles
AB 413 – Makes it illegal to park a vehicle within 20 feet of any unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.
AB 1100 – Makes it illegal for a job posting to require applicants to have a valid driver’s license.
SB 905 – Eliminates the so-called “locked door loophole,” which required prosecutors to prove car doors were locked when a burglary took place. This gives prosecutors more flexibility to address auto burglary and thefts.
Cannabis
AB 1775 – Cities and counties can allow existing cannabis (marijuana) retailers and consumption lounges to sell non-cannabis food and drinks. However, local government must approve and license the business. Under the current law, cannabis retailers with consumption areas may sell prepackaged food and beverages if authorized by the applicable local government agency. This bill expands the legislation to include freshly prepared food and drinks consistent with the California Retail Food Code.
Consumer
AB 2863 – Beginning on July 1, companies offering auto-renewal services must give customers the option to cancel the subscription by the same method they used to subscribe.
AB 375 – Requires food delivery services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats to provide customers with the first name and photo of their delivery driver, effective March 1, 2025.
Crime
AB 3209 – Allows retail stores to get restraining orders against people sentenced for stealing, vandalizing or assaulting an employee at that store.
AB 1779 – Allows California district attorneys to coordinate with other DAs to consolidate charges for suspects in retail theft crimes that occur across multiple counties.
AB 960 – Creates sentencing enhancements for taking, damaging or destroying property while committing s felony if the property value exceeds $50,000.
SB 1242 – Setting a fire within a merchant’s premises while committing organized retail theft will be considered an aggravating factor and will increase sentences for those convicted.
SB 1414 – Raises the classification for soliciting and buying sex from minors under 16 from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Education
AB 1955 – Prohibits school districts in the state from enacting policies that would force educators to notify parents if students identify as transgender or request to use a different name.
AB 1821 – California public schools will be required to teach the impact of the Mission Period and Gold Rush on California Native Americans.
AB 1780 – Bans legacy admission for colleges that accept state funding.
SB 639 – Requires health care professionals who provide care for people 65 and older to take continuing education in geriatrics and dementia care.
AB 1825 – Prohibits public libraries from banning books due to race, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status or political affiliation of a book’s subject, author, or intended audience.
(To be continued in next week’s edition of the Alpine Mountaineer)
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