Above: A Nexstar video of how a bill becomes law.
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – July is approaching and with it comes the implementation of a series of new laws that will bring big changes for Californians.
The laws, which were signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom during last year’s legislative session and took effect July 1, cover a range of topics — from hidden fees and housing to education.
Here are the new laws that will go into effect early next month that Californians should know about:
Hidden Fees – Senate Bill 478, Assembly Bill 537
Two bills passed last year, Senate Bill 478 and Assembly Bill 537, target hidden fees. Under both, businesses will be required to make advertised prices for goods and services inclusive of all other mandatory charges, except taxes or fees imposed by the government.
The new laws cover a wide range of goods and services, including concert tickets and short-term accommodation such as hotels or AirBnB.
Arms tax – Assembly Bill 28
Beginning July 1st, all firearms and ammunition will be subject to an 11% state tax. The new charge was implemented through Assembly Bill 28, which aims to help fund state-run school safety and violence prevention programs.
According to an analysis of the bill, the tax is expected to generate over $160 million annually. When it takes effect, the tax will become the first state tax on gun sales in the US
Deposits with guarantee – Draft Law of the Assembly 12
Landlords will no longer be able to ask tenants for a security deposit equal to three months’ rent under a new law that will take effect on July 1, Assembly Bill 12. Most security deposit requirements will be limited to the equivalent of one month’s rent.
The new law will apply to most owner-occupied properties, regardless of their status as furnished or unfurnished. However, there is an exception for landlords with small rental portfolios that allows them to accept the equivalent of two months’ rent for a deposit.
Drug testing kits – Assembly Bill 1013
Bars, nightclubs and other establishments serving alcoholic beverages under a “for sale in general public premises” license will be required to have drug testing equipment available for sale starting July 1, when entering draft law of the Assembly 1013.
The measure, which aims to prevent spill incidents, also requires these businesses to put up a notice that reads: “Don’t cover yourself with a roof! Alcohol drug test kits available here. Ask a member of staff for details.”
Menstrual products for students – Assembly Bill 230
Assembly Bill 230 expands an existing law that requires public schools with students in grades six through twelve to provide free menstrual products in the bathroom. Under the amendment, schools that teach grades three through five will also be required to provide these hygiene products.
The bill’s author said the measure was important to extend these free menstrual products to an additional degree, pointing to a study showing that 10% of children who experience a period do so for the first time by the age of 10.
Housing construction – Senate Bill 684
Senate Bill 684 is another new housing-related law that takes effect July 1, but this measure specifically aims to speed up the process for building new units by making one aspect of it more efficient: approval of subdivision maps.
Under the law, local agencies will be required to approve maps for projects in urban areas as long as they meet certain requirements, such as the project not exceeding 10 residential units. Supporters say the law will facilitate more medium-density housing on small lots.
Certified school employees – Assembly Bill 897
Assembly Bill 897, which was signed into law last year, would extend the two-year probationary period for California teachers who teach adults. Typically, “general education teachers” must undergo this period before gaining permanent status.
The bill’s author said this will help improve the quality of adult education, as well as give these educators a path to greater job security and ensure that experienced educators are not laid off. unfairly.
Workplace Violence Prevention Plan – Senate Bill 553
Employers will soon be required to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans once Senate Bill 553 takes effect on July 1.
The bill, which was prompted by a 2021 mass shooting at a San Jose railroad yard by one of its own workers, would specifically require workplaces to record every incident and have mandatory training to his employees on how to respond to violence.
Keep Kids in School – Senate Bill 274
The Keep Kids in School bill would expand a provision in the state’s education code to outright ban suspension of students for “willful defiance.” An earlier version of the law only prohibited the reasoning for disciplining students between kindergarten and eighth grade
According to the bill’s author, “willful opposition” has historically been used against students who are already more likely to see lower academic scores than their peers. This includes students of color, those experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and LGBTQ+ students.
Right to Repair – Senate Bill 244
Senate Bill 244 would require manufacturers of electronic devices with wholesale prices of $50 or more to make available documentation and replacement parts or tools to repair or maintain that product.
Manufacturers of products with wholesale prices of $100 or more must also provide parts and documentation, though it is expected to be available for at least seven years after the product was last manufactured.
KTXL’s Jacque Porter contributed to this report.