There are some new rules in California.
Starting Monday, some of the hundreds of new laws passed by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year went into effect. They include workplace violence laws, housing affordability, bar date rape test kits and repairs to your electronics.
Most of the new state laws went into effect at the beginning of the year.
Here are some of the new laws that went into effect on Monday.
California bar date rape test kits
The new law requires bars and nightclubs to provide testing kits for drugs that can be put into drinks. The law aims to protect customers from common rap drugs. Signs indicating that drug testing equipment is available must be posted at the business.
Finding hidden fees
SB 478 is designed to make it easier to discover hidden fees that can surprise consumers when they travel, order food delivery, buy concert tickets and more. Service and travel businesses must include surcharges in advertised prices. AB 537 requires hotels and short-term rental companies to provide the total price before a guest checks out. There were mandates for restaurants and bars, but Gov. Newsom signed emergency legislation over the weekend that exempts vendors from the new law. Payments should still be clearly listed for customers.
Security deposit limits
Landlords are prohibited from paying tenants more than one month’s security deposit under this new law. AB 12 removes previous rules that allowed deposits of up to twice the monthly rent for unfurnished units and up to three times the rent for furnished units. Some owners of smaller properties are exempt.
Excise tax on gun purchases in California
California becomes the first state with an 11 percent excise tax on certain sales of firearms, ammunition and gun parts under AB 28. The proceeds will fund state programs to prevent gun violence and support gang intervention programs . There are exceptions, including retired law enforcement officers and law enforcement agencies, and smaller retailers. The federal government already taxes some gun purchases.
Credit card ID codes for gun dealers
Another gun purchase law that takes effect Monday requires credit card payment networks to provide a unique identification code to gun and ammunition sellers. Merchant category codes appear on credit card statements for most businesses, such as grocery stores and gas stations, to help the chains offer rewards and track spending trends. AB 1587 requires chains to provide the codes, which supporters said would allow banks to flag suspicious purchases.
DIY phone fixes
Are you a DIY person? SB 244, Right to Repair Act. requires many manufacturers of electronic devices and equipment to help you with the parts, tools and instructions provided to repair their products. The law does not apply to video game consoles, fire alarms and certain types of heavy machinery.
Violence in the workplace
SB 553 requires workplace violence regulations for businesses, including plans, training and documentation. The mandate requires a workplace violence risk assessment, an emergency plan and training for employees.
The new school rule
SB 274 prohibits suspension of students in grades K-12 or grounds of “willful disruption or opposition.” The ACLU said willful defiance is an overly broad category that led to unnecessary suspensions for minor infractions.
Menstrual products in California schools
Under AB 230, a requirement that public schools make menstrual products available to students in grades 6 through 12 is expanded to include grades 3 through 5. The products must be available in women’s and all-sex restrooms and in at least a men’s restroom on campus.