New 2026 California Laws Effective Now

Nearly 800 new laws were approved this year in California. Here are just a sampling:

Minimum wage: Under SB 3, the minimum wage is set to increase to $16.90 per hour to account for inflation. The threshold for exempt workers will rise to $70,304 per year. Some local minimum wages, along with wages for fast food and health care industries, are higher. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Tip theft enforcement: Under SB 648, the California Labor Commissioner can investigate, issue citations or file for civil action over tips that an employer takes from a worker. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Used car protections: SB 766 allows people who buy or lease a used car to return it within three days. It also requires certain disclosures from the dealer. Note: This law takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Food delivery app accountability: AB 578 requires food delivery platforms to provide refunds for any undelivered items. App users can adjust their tips accordingly. The law also requires the companies to clearly disclose the cost of food, fees and tips. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Overdraft fee limit for credit unions: SB 1075, which was approved in 2024, takes effect on Jan. 1. It prevents credit unions from charging more than $14 for an overdraft fee. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Deepfake pornography: AB 621 imposes fines against providers of deepfake pornography. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Antisemitism coordinator for schools: AB 715 establishes an Office of Civil Rights to prevent and address discrimination and includes an antisemitism coordinator appointed by the governor. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Guaranteed Cal State admission: SB 640 expands a direct admission program for qualified high school students. The students are guaranteed admission to CSU campuses. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Protections for blue whales: AB 14 aims to help protect blue whales by incentivizing voluntary shipping companies to slow their speeds along the California coast. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Cat declawing ban: AB 867 bans cat owners from having their cats declawed. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Plastic grocery bag ban: SB 1053 bans grocery stores from providing customers with plastic shopping bags. This new law bans an exception in a previous law that allowed thicker plastic bags that can be reused. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Penalties for criminals who buy teens for sex: AB 379 makes it a felony for older adults to buy 16 and 17-year-olds for sex. It also makes it a misdemeanor crime again in California to loiter with the intent to purchase anyone for sex. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Identification for law enforcement: SB 805 requires law enforcement officers operating in California to display their agency and a name or badge number to the public, with some exceptions. Note: This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Food allergen notification at restaurants: With SB 68, California becomes the first state in the nation to require restaurants to list major food allergens on their menus. Note: This law takes effect in July 2026.

Housing near transportation stops: SB 79 allows homes to be built near major transportation stops. Note: This law takes effect in July 2026.

Limits for ads on streaming platforms: Under SB 576, video streaming services won’t be able to make the volume of ads louder than the video that consumers are watching. Note: This law takes effect in July 2026.

Complete listing of the measure, subject, and author may be found at California Legislatve Information.

By Daniel Macht (Condensed version) | January 1, 2026 | KCRA3 | New California laws in 2026: These laws will take effect on January 1

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