New California laws go into effect July 1, 2024

New California laws effective July 1

The new laws include one on hidden fees, and another on drug testing at bars.

LOS ANGELES - California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several new bills into law during his last legislative session on the heels of the new year. While several new laws went into effect in January, here is a look at some of the new laws that will impact your life beginning July 1, 2024.

Drug testing kits in bars (AB 1013)

Businesses with an on-sale general public premises alcohol license must sell drug testing kits at a price not much higher than wholesale and post notices about their availability to prevent drink spiking.

In addition to kits in the form of strips, stickers, or straws that can test for common date rape drugs like rohypnol ("roofies) and ketamine, there must also be a sign for patrons notifying them they are available for sale or at no cost, depending on the establishment.

The law applies to bars and nightclubs where beer, wine, and distilled spirits are sold for consumption, minors are not allowed on premises, and food is not required.

RELATED COVERAGE: California bars required to offer drug tests

The requirement begins July 1.

Expired car tags (AB 256)

Under existing law, a driver must have a current registration sticker displayed on a vehicle's rear license plate.

Assembly Bill 256, which goes into effect July 1 until Jan. 1, 2030, no longer allows this vehicle registration violation to be the sole reason a law enforcement officer can pull over a driver. The new law prohibits officers from pulling drivers over solely for expired license plate stickers unless two months have passed since the month indicated on the sticker.

Gun tax (AB 28)

This law adds a 11% state tax on firearms and ammo sold in the state starting in July 2024 — making California the only state in the U.S. to have such a tax. This tax is on top of existing federal taxes. Depending on the gun type, the federal tax is either 10% or 11%. Revenue from the tax, estimated by state officials to be about $160 million a year, will help fund violence prevention programs.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: New California laws 2024: Expanded gun restrictions

The new law raises the carry permit age from 18 to 21 and prohibits legal firearm carriers from carrying in "sensitive" areas such as schools, hospitals and parks. Once you get a permit, individuals will not be able to carry in most places without signage indicating so.

Hidden fees (SB 478)

The law requires that advertised or displayed prices for most goods and services include all fees and charges (excluding government taxes and fees). This specifically targets short-term lodging like Airbnb.

The new law aims to prohibit "junk fees" across a range of businesses, including restaurants, bars and delivery apps.

Restaurants will need to factor surcharge fees into menu prices, as opposed to simply advertising them at the end of a bill. Food apps, however, will be required to function differently under the new law.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Service fee ban coming this summer

Under this new law, restaurants, bars and food delivery apps will not be allowed to tack on any "junk fees."

Keep students in school (SB 274)

This bill eliminates the use of suspension for minor misbehavior covered under the "disruption or willful defiance" category for California TK-12 students. The bill was amended to include a 2029 sunset for this elimination for grades 6-12, to allow the state to re-evaluate after data has shown the impact of the change.

Under SB 274, teachers would be able to remove a student from a specific class for unruly behavior, but the student would not be suspended from school. Instead, it would be up to school administrators to determine appropriate and timely in-school interventions or support for the student.

Menstrual products in schools (AB 367)

The existing law that requires public schools to provide free menstrual products in restrooms for grades 6 to 12 is expanded to include grades 3 to 5.

The bill applies to public schools serving students in grades six to 12, community colleges and the California State University System.

Right to Repair (SB 244)

The bill requires manufacturers of electronics priced at $50 or higher to make documentation and spare parts or tools available for repair. For products priced at $100 or more, parts and documentation must be available for seven years after the product was last manufactured.

The law broadly covers electronic and appliance products, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, and various home appliances, that were manufactured and sold or used for the first time in California on or after July 1, 2021.

Security deposits cap (AB 12)

Renters in California will no longer be asked for a security deposit larger than one month's rent. Previously, state law allowed landlords to ask renters for security deposits equivalent to two months’ rent for unfurnished units, or three months’ rent for furnished units. That doesn’t include the first month of rent.

Workplace violence prevention (SB 553)

This bill requires employers to develop and implement a workplace violence prevention plan in accordance with newly codified Labor Code section 6401.9, which sets out the requirements for the plan.

Under this law, the majority of employers in California must establish, implement, and maintain a "Workplace Violence Prevention Plan" that includes: prohibiting employee retaliation, accepting and responding to reports of workplace violence, and emergency response.

You can take a look at laws that went into effect in January 2024 by tapping or clicking here.