A slew of new laws affecting everything from the holidays we recognize to affordable housing and the right to sue gun dealers went into effect in California this month. Many of the new laws reflect the changing times, the progressive policies of the state’s liberal legislators as well as the Golden State’s most pressing challenges.
Here’s an overview of the new laws in effect as of this month:
Juneteenth Holiday
Moving forward, California will recognize June 19 as the Juneteenth state holiday, leading to the closures of schools and paid time off for state employees.
Right To Sue Gun Manufacturers And Dealers
This law is California’s controversial bid to pierce gun industry legal immunity, making it easier for Californians to sue retailers for failing to follow standards of conduct aimed at preventing sales to traffickers and people such as felons already barred from purchasing guns. The law requires firearm dealers to implement reasonable controls to avoid selling guns to people who pose an obvious risk to themselves or others. Firearms dealers are also barred from manufacturing, marketing, or importing, guns deemed "abnormally dangerous.”
Authored by Assemblymembers Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) and Chris Ward (D-San Diego), it allows individuals and government officials to sue irresponsible manufacturers and sellers of firearms for the harm resulting from their sales.
“Gun violence is now the leading cause of death among kids and teens in the United States, surpassing car accidents. I see no better argument for stronger gun safety legislation,” said Ting after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the law. “For far too long, the firearms industry has enjoyed federal immunity from civil lawsuits, providing them no incentive for them to follow our laws. Hitting their bottom line may finally compel them to step up to reduce gun violence by preventing illegal sales and theft.”
“There is no reason that the gun industry should be the only industry exempt from responsibility for the harm that its products cause, especially when its products are responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans each year. In California, we refuse to settle with thoughts and prayers as innocent lives are lost— we demand and will deliver urgent action, now” added Attorney General Rob Bonta. “In California, we won’t let this industry off the hook.”
The law currently faces a legal challenge from the firearm industry.
Sealing Criminal Records
With this law, California becomes the first state in the nation to automatically seal most criminal and arrest records if an offender does not re-offend within four years of completing their sentence including parole and probation.
It excludes serious and violent felonies as well as sex offenders mandated to register under Megan’s Law. Convicted domestic abusers, however, could be able to get their records permanently sealed.
Online Restraining Orders
Californians seeking a restraining order related to domestic violence or gun violence may do so electronically rather than in person now. Courts are required to post information about the process online.
Affordable Housing
The Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act attempts to streamline the construction of affordable housing projects such as apartment complexes by allowing residential developments in places zoned for commercial uses such as retail or parking lots. These developers are also required to pay workers prevailing wages and provide health benefits.
Curbing Theft Ring Sales Of Stolen Goods Online
This law was designed to curb organized theft by limiting the online sale of stolen goods. It cracks down on online sales of stolen goods by “high-volume third-party sellers," requiring them to provide data such as contact information and business tax identification numbers.
“High-volume third-party sellers” are people who engaged in more than 200 discrete sales or transactions of new or unused consumer products over the previous year, totaling $5,000 or more in gross revenues.
Bounty Hunters
This law strives to strengthen oversight of the bail/bond industry by requiring bounty hunters and bail recovery persons to become licensed by the state. To become licensed, they would be required to undergo education and registration as bounty hunters.
The law was inspired by the Palm Springs shooting death of David Spann, 33, allegedly at the hands of an unlicensed bounty hunter.
Teachers
Under a new law, teachers no longer have to repay overpayments identified in audits by the state pension system CalSTRS.
Workers Compensation
Now, contractors without worker's compensation insurance risk losing their licenses. The new law adds a penalty to existing laws requiring contractors to carry worker's compensation insurance.
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