COLUSA, CA (MPG) — California lawmakers approved a wide range of new laws that take effect in 2026, touching nearly every part of daily life, from employment and housing to transportation, public safety and consumer protections. The measures include changes to labor rules, tenant rights, food delivery refunds, traffic enforcement and criminal penalties.
Animal Welfare
Cat declawing banned: California will prohibit veterinarians from declawing cats except when the procedure is medically necessary to treat illness or injury. Declawing for behavioral reasons, including to prevent furniture damage, will no longer be allowed. Supporters say the surgery, which removes the last bone of each toe, can lead to chronic pain. The practice is already banned in much of Europe and several other countries.
Employment and Labor Laws
Training repayment banned: SB 692 makes it illegal for employers to require workers to repay training costs if they leave a job or exit the hiring process.
Minimum wage increase: Under SB 3, California’s minimum wage will rise to $16.90 per hour to account for inflation. The salary threshold for exempt workers increases to $70,304 annually.
Tip theft enforcement: SB 648 authorizes the state Labor Commissioner to investigate and pursue civil action against employers who take tips from workers.
Expanded leave for crime victims: AB 406 allows workers to use paid sick leave and certain unpaid leave if they or a family member must attend court proceedings related to a crime.
Layoff notices: SB 617 requires employers planning mass layoffs to provide written notice if they will coordinate services through a local workforce board and to share information about CalFresh assistance.
Education and Immigration
Immigration enforcement limited at schools: Assembly Bill 49, known as the Safe Haven Schools Act, strengthens protections for students and families by restricting immigration enforcement on K-12 campuses. School officials may not allow immigration agents into nonpublic areas without a judicial warrant or court order. The law also limits the sharing of student or family records with immigration authorities without proper legal authorization.
Housing and Tenant Protections
Appliances required in rentals: AB 628 requires landlords to provide a working stove and refrigerator for leases signed on or after Jan. 1. The law also reinforces requirements for heating, hot water and waterproofing.
Consumer and Business Rules
Plastic bag ban expanded: SB 1053 extends California’s plastic bag ban to include all plastic bags. Only recyclable paper bags or reusable totes will be allowed.
Food delivery refunds: AB 578 requires food delivery platforms to issue full refunds for missing or incorrect orders when the customer is not at fault. Platforms must also provide itemized bills, disclose fees, and may not keep tips.
Used car returns: SB 766, known as the Combating Auto Retail Scams Act, allows buyers three days to return a used vehicle purchased or leased, starting Oct. 1, 2026.
Self-storage disclosures: SB 709 requires self-storage contracts to disclose promotional pricing and the maximum rental rate for the first year.
Overdraft fee limits: SB 1075 caps overdraft fees at $14 for credit unions, effective Jan. 1.
Health and Privacy
Low-cost insulin: SB 40 limits insulin co-pays to $35 for a 30-day supply under large group health plans. The state will also sell CalRx insulin at a recommended price of $11 per pen.
Gender-affirming care privacy: AB 82 expands privacy protections related to gender-affirming care.
Hemp restrictions: AB 8 bans industrial hemp extract in food and beverages unless it meets strict purity standards and contains no intoxicating compounds.
Fortified corn products: AB 1830 requires most store-bought corn tortillas and masa products to include folic acid. Small businesses are exempt.
Public Safety and Criminal Law
Vehicular manslaughter probation: AB 1087 increases probation terms to three to five years for those convicted of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Burglary tools offense: AB 486 makes possession of key programming devices, signal extenders or duplicators with intent to commit burglary a misdemeanor.
Sex crime penalties: AB 379 makes it a felony for adults to buy sex from 16- and 17-year-olds and restores loitering with intent to purchase sex as a misdemeanor.
Extended lawsuit window: AB 250 allows adult survivors of sexual assault to file lawsuits alleging cover-ups between 2026 and 2027. Public entities are exempt.
Law enforcement identification: SB 805 requires officers to display their agency name and badge number or name, with limited exceptions.
Law enforcement AI disclosure: Senate Bill 524 requires law enforcement agencies to disclose when artificial intelligence is used to write official reports. Agencies must adopt policies that clearly state when a report was written fully or partially using AI. The officer responsible for the report must sign the document and confirm they reviewed and verified its contents.
Transportation and Local Government
School zone speed limits: AB 382 allows school zone speed limits to be lowered to 20 mph through 2031. After that date, the limit will drop automatically with proper signage.
Parking ticket hardship relief: AB 1299 allows agencies to reduce or waive parking fines for people unable to pay and requires payment plans upon request.
License plate obstruction: AB 1085 makes it illegal to manufacture devices that obscure license plates, with fines up to $1,000.
Electric bicycle safety: AB 544 requires electric bicycles to have rear reflectors or lights at all times and allows an online safety course to satisfy helmet violation requirements for minors.
Other Notable Laws
Outdoor dining extended: AB 592 allows restaurants to continue pandemic-era outdoor dining setups and use open windows or folding doors for open kitchens.
Restaurant permitting: AB 671 streamlines approvals for small restaurants retrofitting existing buildings.
Diwali recognized: AB 268 designates Diwali as an official state holiday. In 2026, it will be observed Monday, Nov. 9.
State shrub designated: AB 581 names the bigberry manzanita as California’s official state shrub.
Daylighting law near crosswalks: Assembly Bill 413, known as California’s daylighting law, prohibits parking, stopping or standing within 20 feet of the vehicle approaching the side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. The law also establishes a 15-foot no-parking zone near crosswalks with curb extensions, also known as bulb-outs. While the law took effect in 2024, local agencies began ramping up enforcement in 2025.
Many of the new laws take effect Jan. 1, with others rolling out later in 2026. Residents and businesses are encouraged to review changes that may affect their rights, responsibilities and daily operations.