New California Laws Taking Effect In 2023
This year, the California legislature passed and Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic measures to fight climate change, protect women’s right to choose, support small businesses, pay equity and more.
“California leads, and we do so by following our moral compass and staying true to our values,” said Governor Newsom. “The Legislature is an invaluable partner, and I thank them for their leadership and courage, and I look forward to continuing our work to improve the lives of Californians across the state.”
Here’s a look at some of the bills that will take effect in the New Year.
Transfer-level courses at community colleges
The future is in the hands of the next generation. Assemblymember Irwin’s AB 1705 calls on community colleges to enroll their students in transfer-level math and English courses if the program they want to transfer into requires these courses. The new law aims to remove barriers to degree completion and help students meet their academic and career goals.
Support for street vendors
Sidewalk food vendors make some of the tastiest food. Governor Newsom signed SB 972 by Senator Lena Gonzalez to make it easier for these street vendors to obtain local health permits. This not only enhances the health and safety of the community, but also helps vendors formally enter the economy so they can build a successful business and better provide for their families.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Books open up a whole new world of imagination and wonder. Thanks to SB 1183 by Pro Tem Atkins and Senator Grove, California children ages 0-5 will be able to sign up for free books in English and Spanish.
Holding Oil Companies Accountable
Californians deserve the right to know what the oil companies are doing. SB 1322 by Senator Ben Allen would require oil companies to post how much money they are making from Californians on their websites.
Protection of creative expression
Your favorite artists are now better protected in the state of California. Tyga, YG, Meek Mill, Too $hort, Killer Mike, E-40 and Ty Dolla Sign all collaborated with Assemblywoman Jones-Sawyer and Governor Newsom on AB 2799. This bill restricts the use of creative content such as song lyrics and music videos against artists in court.
Liberty and Abortion
California prioritizes women’s safety. Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan’s bill, AB 1242, prohibits law enforcement agencies and California corporations from cooperating with or providing information to out-of-state entities regarding a legal abortion in California. It also prohibits law enforcement from knowingly arresting a person for assisting in a legal abortion in California.
Abolition of the pink tax
Paying for certain needs is now more affordable. AB 1287 by Assemblyman Bauer-Kahan prohibits anyone from setting a different price for two goods that are similar, such as razors, just because they are marketed to women. The ‘pink tax’ is no more in California.
Lunar New Year, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and June 10th
Next year’s Lunar New Year, Armenian Genocide Memorial Day and June 10 will all be public holidays. Celebrations go to Assemblymembers Low, Nazarian and Jones-Sawyer.
Pay equity
Hard workers deserve to reap all the benefits. Senator Limon’s bill SB 1162 brings California one big step closer to closing the wage gap. This bill would expand on existing transparency laws, which mandate the reporting of wage data by gender, race and ethnicity of employees.
