California is the most populous state in the U.S., with more than 39 million people living there. Many of those people will be impacted by certain changes coming with new laws on July 1st. Luckily for them, many of the laws look positive.
One Law Concerns Subscription Services
The world has certainly changed over the last 10 years when it comes to how people consume media. With so many apps and services requiring a subscription plan, many people end up paying for a service they no longer use.
California is Making it Easier to Get Rid of Unused Subscriptions
People who want to cancel a subscription for whatever reason often run into problems with doing so, having difficulty reaching people or going through a convoluted process. A new law in California will make it so that people who want to cancel a service can do so in the same manner in which they signed up.
People Will Also Be Protected From Bait and Switch Scams
The fact that so many more people buy products online has made the e-marketplace one where scams thrive. Of course, there are scams in brick-and-mortar stores as well. The Golden State has come up with a law to address this.
Businesses Can’t Falsely Advertise
A new law in California will make it so that retailers can’t use an attractive price to get people in the door only to add hidden fees later. This will force retailers to be transparent about their pricing practices.
There Will Be Changes With Short-Term Rental Companies
With a massive piece of land and countless attractions, California draws millions of tourists each year. It has become common for people to skip staying at a hotel, instead opting to rent a property from VRBO or Air BNB.
All Fees Will Need to Be Disclosed to Renters
A common problem for people renting short term is being hit with undisclosed fees for things like cleaning services. While short term renters can still charge for these services, they have to reveal all of these costs in advance.
California is Focusing on Mental Health
Providing mental health services to its citizens has been an increasingly important challenge for states in recent years. California is among the more progressive states in the country when it comes to services. In 2024, the state passed Proposition 1, which allocated billions of dollars to mental health.
A July Change Will Affect Students
The push toward mental health services in California doesn’t only concern adults, but students as well. A July 2025 law will make it mandatory for schools with students in grades 7-12 to post a phone number and QR code for mental health and suicide prevention resources.
The State is Also Making a Change for Students With IEPs
California is going to provide further benefits to students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Per the changes, transition services and postsecondary goals will begin once the student enters high school.
This Could Help Students in the Future
Prior to the July 1st change, students with an IEP would start receiving transition services once they turn 16. This new law will start the process earlier, and there is a good reason behind the move. Studies show that the earlier students receive these services, the better off they are once their school comes to an end.
Minimum Wage Will Be Going Up for Certain Workers
California is very progressive when it comes to wages. Not only does the state offer a minimum wage more than twice the federal rate, but California also requires higher wages for certain jobs. Healthcare workers at some facilities will get a raise come July 1st.
Paid Family Leave Changes
Paid family leave has become a much more common benefit for employees around the country, but some employers have made it hard for their workers to access the perk. A new California measure would bar companies from making workers take their vacation time before accessing their family leave.
A Compassionate Law for Victims of Violent Crime
As states move to provide more mental health services, they are also expanding access to care for people who have fallen victim to a violent crime. Per the new measure, victims will be able to access paid sick leave, as will their family members.
Bus Driver Background Checks
California is a sprawling state that has more than 5.8 million K-12 students attending public schools. Bus drivers transporting those students will now face more intensive background checks that will include drug screening and driving record reviews.
Stolen Goods Reporting
The internet has become a place where criminals can move stolen goods, and the state of California wants help in preventing this. A new law requires online marketplaces to report any concerning activity.
There Will Be Bigger Penalties For Certain Kinds of Thefts
In the wake of COVID-19 restrictions, shoplifting and other kinds of theft at retail locations began to rise, especially in California. A new law, which will be enacted on July 1st, increases the penalties associated with stealing from retail stores.
Bars and Nightclubs Must Meet This Request from Customers
A major concern for nightclubs and bars is that predators will drug the drinks of unsuspecting victims to assault them afterward. To combat this issue, the state is now mandating that bars provide a lid for a customer’s drink upon request.
Some People Will Now Be Covered For IVF
It is very common today for parents to use IVF services in order to have a child. In many cases, this care wasn’t covered by their insurance plans. A new bill in California requires health care plans from employers with 100 covered employees must cover IVF.
Conclusion
While laws can affect people in different ways, many of the laws that are taking hold in California are going to largely help the citizens. That means that some businesses may complain about how the law affects them, but for the most part, their measures seem positive.