Overview: California 2026 laws
While some might prove more significant than others to most individuals, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with what is new on the books for the Golden State over the next 12 months.
New Year, New Us — a new year can offer hope, resolutions, and possibly more for many.
Changing the calendar from 2025 to 2026 also means becoming familiar with a large number of new laws, at least in California. While some might prove more significant than others, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with what’s new on the books for the Golden State.
Most of the new laws take effect Jan. 1, with others becoming law later in the year.
Among the changes coming:
Electric bicycles must have required equipment
(AB 544, Assemblymember Laurie Davies; SB 1271, Assemblymember Dave Min.)
The new law requires e-bikes to have a red reflector or solid/flashing red light using a built-in rear reflector at all times when in use. The required rear reflector previously was only needed when the bike was used in the dark.
It also provides a California Highway Patrol-developed online e-bike safety and training program for minors who get a helmet violation while using such bikes.
Lastly, E-bikes, powered mobility devices, and those lithium-ion batteries related to such items must comply with safety standards tested through accredited labs. The mandatory compliance labeling takes effect immediately, with non-compliant devices being prohibited from sales or rentals starting in 2028.
Landlords must provide working refrigerators and stoves in apartments
(AB 628, Assembly Member Tina McKinnor)
This law requires landlords have stoves and refrigerators in good working order for all tenants. It applies to all leases entered into on or after Jan. 1, amended, or extended after that date.
Landlords are also required to repair or replace stoves and refrigerators that are subject to a recall by a manufacturer or a public entity within 30 days of receiving notice that the item is being recalled.
Finally, the bill means that a tenant and landlord would mutually agree once the lease is signed if the former opts to provide their own refrigerator under certain conditions.
Updated law: Grocery stores throughout the state prohibited from offering customers plastic shopping bags
(SB 1053, State Senator Catherine Blakespear)
If talk of plastic bag bans sounds familiar, it is — a similar ban went into law a little over a decade ago. A loophole in that measure made it so grocery stores could offer thicker plastic bags. The idea was that such bags would be reused by customers.
According to the California Public Interest Research Group, many consumers failed to reuse the thicker bags.
Obtaining full refunds for food not delivered via services like Doordash, Grubhub and Uber Eats
(AB 578, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan)
Food delivery services are prohibited from denying a full customer refund if their order was not delivered or if the customer was not to blame for the wrong delivery arriving. Such services are also not allowed to charge a higher price for their food offerings than listed on their delivery platform’s website when the order is placed.
Services are also not permitted to keep any part designated as a tip or gratuity.
Cat owners can no longer have their cats declawed
(AB 867) – Assemblymember Alex Lee.
It is illegal in the new year to have one’s cat declawed.
The bill is focused on banning declawing for convenience or cosmetic reasons. Declawing will only be permitted when needed to protect the cat’s well-being. Any veterinarians caught declawing cats can face penalties and fines from the California Veterinary Medical Board.
Crime for older adults to buy 16 and 17-year-old individuals for sexual purposes
(AB 379, Assemblymember Nick Schultz)
The law leads to felony charges when older adults buy teens aged 16 and 17 with the intent of engaging in sexual activities.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a release, “AB 379 equips law enforcement with the tools we need to protect children from criminal buyers who prey on them, fueling human trafficking by lining the pockets of traffickers with millions of dollars.
“AB 379 not only holds criminals accountable, but it also expands the safety network and support for survivors as they recover from severe trauma.”
It will also be a misdemeanor crime again in the state when loitering with the idea of buying anyone for sexual conduct.
Hardships paying parking tickets
(AB 1299, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan)
The new law can lead to decreased or even waived parking penalties in the event that the vehicle owner can demonstrate an inability to pay the fee in full due to homelessness or financial difficulties. The individual would be allowed to file a request seeking a payment plan.
Increase in state’s minimum wage
(SB 3)
The new increase is considered an automatic adjustment that is mandated by the original bill some 10 years ago.
California’s statewide minimum wage is going up to $16.90 per hour for all employers. It is an adjustment for inflation under SB 3. Some California cities and certain industries, such as fast food and the healthcare fieldhave larger rates. The new update will increase minimum salaries for exempt roles. Employers are required to post updated notices to comply with the new rates going into law.
Self-storage fees
(SB 709, State Senator Caroline Manjiver)
This law mandates that rental agreements involving self-storage facilities clearly state if the rental fee being charged is either promotional or discounted. It also requires that the fee is going to change. Finally, it requires disclosure of what the maximum rental charge could be over the first year. This law will apply to those agreements signed on or after the first of the new year.
Infertility and fertility care
(SB 729, State Senator Caroline Manjiver)
The law requires major employer health plans provide coverage for both infertility diagnosis and how best to treat such issues. This includes IVF needs.
The law covers all people regardless of whether or not they are married, their sexual orientation or how they identify, and parents choosing to stay single.
All-gender bathrooms in schools
(SB 760, This bill was authored during the 2023-24 legislative session by former State Senator Josh Newman)
Starting in July 2026, all K-12 public schools and those operating as charter schools are required to have at minimum one all-gender restroom on campus. The law will go into effect later this summer to be in time for the 2026-27 school year.
The law notes that students may not be forced to use the all-gender facilities.
Student cell phones in K-12 classrooms
(AB 3216, Assemblymembers David Alvarez, Josh Lowenthal, Josh Hoover, and Al Muratsuchi)
Starting in July 2026, all public K-12 schools and those operating as charter schools must have policies in place to limit or altogether ban cell phone usage by students.
The goal of this law is to put maximum focus on learning during the school day. It is also intended to improve mental health for students, who can be distracted and affected by social media.
There would be exceptions to using phones, such as in emergencies or when authorized by a teacher for instructional purposes.
License plate alteration or obstruction
(AB 1085, Assemblymember Catherine Stefani)
Violators will face an infraction with a fine of up to $1,000 for manufacturing a device or product to make it hard to visually or electronically read a license plate. This law also covers the use of illegal license plate covers, leading to evading tolls and other acts considered unlawful.
Return of a purchased or leased used vehicle within three days
(SB 766, State Senator Benjamin Allen)
Starting in October 2026, this law gives consumers who buy or lease a used vehicle the option of returning it within three days if the vehicle in question was under $50,000. The law will also require some disclosures on the part of the dealer. Finally, the new law means dealerships are prohibited from charging for additional features that do not benefit the consumer.
Mask ban for law enforcement officers
(SB 627, State Senator Scott Wiener)
The law will prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face masks while on duty.
The legislation was written in order to better identify and create more transparency when officers are doing their jobs, notably during ICE procedures.
The law is facing challenges in the federal courts, especially from the U.S. Department of Justice.
