SACRAMENTO, CA – Effective July 1, 2025, California has implemented a significant wave of new legislation signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. These measures touch upon diverse facets of daily life for Californians, ranging from economic protections and consumer rights to healthcare access and public safety.
Minimum Wage Increases Across Key Cities
A central component of the new legislative package addresses economic equity through significant minimum wage adjustments in several major cities, surpassing the statewide minimum wage which remains at $16.50 per hour. As of July 1, 2025, workers in cities like San Francisco and Berkeley will see their minimum hourly pay rise to $19.18. Emeryville, a city known for its progressive labor laws, will feature the state’s highest reported minimum wage at $19.90 per hour. Meanwhile, the minimum wage in Fremont also increased, reaching $17.75 per hour.
Combating Stolen Goods and Online Marketplaces
Consumer protection is a key focus, with Senate Bill 1144 taking direct aim at the sale of stolen goods on major online marketplaces. Introduced by former State Senator Nancy Skinner, SB 1144 mandates that platforms, including giants like Amazon, establish and enforce clear policies explicitly prohibiting the listing and sale of stolen items. Furthermore, the law requires these marketplaces to implement mechanisms for reporting known instances of stolen goods being sold to Californians to relevant law enforcement agencies. A critical aspect of SB 1144 is the requirement for platforms to collect and verify information on high-volume third-party sellers operating on their sites, increasing accountability and transparency.
Strengthening Consumer Consent and Fee Transparency
Other new laws enhance consumer autonomy and target deceptive practices. Assembly Bill 2863 tackles the pervasive issue of automatically renewing paid subscriptions. Under AB 2863, businesses are now required to obtain a consumer’s “affirmative consent” before automatically renewing a paid subscription service following a free trial period or the initial term. This shifts the burden from the consumer having to opt-out to the business needing explicit permission to continue billing.
In the realm of hospitality, Assembly Bill 2202 addresses the often-criticized practice of hidden fees. AB 2202 specifically targets cleaning fees in short-term rental agreements, aiming to ensure greater transparency for consumers booking accommodations.
Expanding Access to Infertility Coverage
A landmark change in healthcare access comes through Senate Bill 729. This legislation significantly expands mandated health insurance coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment, including crucial services like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). SB 729 applies to employers with at least 100 workers and is notable for explicitly extending coverage to include individuals regardless of sexual orientation or marital status, encompassing LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents. This makes California’s infertility coverage law one of the most inclusive in the country, addressing long-standing disparities in access to fertility care.
Bolstering Mental Health Support Systems
Building upon the state’s existing framework for serious mental health conditions, Senate Bill 42 enhances the CARE Act. SB 42 mandates that California courts provide petitioners with ongoing notice and updates regarding the progress and status of CARE Act proceedings for adults diagnosed with severe mental health disorders. This measure aims to improve transparency and communication within the legal process designed to provide care and support for vulnerable individuals.
Enhancing Safety in Nightlife Venues
Finally, new regulations also address public safety in entertainment venues. Bars and nightclubs holding a specific license type, Type 48 licenses, are now required to offer drink lids to patrons upon request. This measure is intended to help prevent drink spiking, a dangerous practice that poses a significant safety risk. While required to offer the lids, venues are permitted under the law to charge a reasonable amount for them.
Collectively, these laws underscore California’s ongoing efforts to enact progressive legislation aimed at improving economic security, safeguarding consumer rights, expanding essential healthcare services, strengthening mental health support, and enhancing public safety across the state.
