California Laws

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is rejecting an effort to decriminalize jaywalking. He vetoed the bill Friday despite supporters framing the issue as a social justice reform. Democratic Assemblyman Phil Ting says the crime is arbitrarily enforced, most often against people of color. It has sometimes led to deadly confrontations with police.

California public schools and colleges must stock their restrooms with free menstrual products under a new law. The measure signed Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom builds on a 2017 law requiring low-income schools in disadvantaged areas to provide students with free menstrual products. It expands the law to include grades 6 to 12, community colleges and the California State University...

California became the first state to prohibit “stealthing,” or removing a condom without permission during intercourse, after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law Thursday.

Several new California laws take effect Thursday, when the new fiscal year begins

With the arrival of the new year comes the arrival of a slew of new laws that go into effect for residents of California. Among them, one that could provide some relief for cash-strapped renters throughout the state.

Hundreds of new California laws take effect with the start of the new year, including measures stemming from the devastating wildfires that have swept the state. Others address animal rights, criminal justice, businesses, and health care. Among them: Wildfires — In a step to curb greenhouse gas emissions, California becomes the first state to require new homes to install solar panels,...