California families, get ready for some changes that could impact your lives! Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed several new bills into law, touching on everything from fertility treatment coverage to a ban on legacy college admissions. Here’s a quick breakdown of five important new laws that could benefit families across the state:
1. Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments
A big win for families looking to grow! With the passage of SB 729, insurance companies in California will now be required to cover fertility treatments, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This law ensures that everyone, including LGBTQ+ families, has access to fertility treatments without facing overwhelming costs.
Gov. Newsom stated, "Everyone who wants to should be able to start a family—without going broke." This new law helps make that dream a reality for many California families.
2. Legacy Admissions Are Banned
Under the new AB 1780, private and nonprofit universities can no longer admit students based on family connections or donations. The practice has already been banned in public universities, but this new law ensures fairness across all higher education institutions in California.
Rep. Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), who authored the bill, said, “Hard work, good grades, and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in college—not the size of your family’s checkbook."
3. Renters Can Improve Credit Scores with Good Rental History
Good news for renters! AB 2747 allows tenants to have their good rental history reflected in their credit scores, making it easier to qualify for loans or future rentals. However, landlords with 15 or fewer units are exempt from this requirement. While it’s not a solution for every renter, this is a step toward making rental history count positively.
Another new law, SB 611, signed last week, also protects renters by extending the time landlords have to respond to evictions and preventing extra fees for rent paid by check.
4. Tougher Penalties for Soliciting or Buying Sex from Minors
California is strengthening its protection of children with SB 1414, which increases penalties for those who solicit or buy sex from minors, particularly those 16 and under or minors involved in human trafficking. This bill raises the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony and will increase the number of offenders who must register as sex offenders.
As First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom put it, "Crimes against children have no place in California."
5. Ban on Harmful Chemicals in Menstrual Products
AB 2515 bans the sale and distribution of menstrual products containing harmful PFAs, often referred to as "forever chemicals." These chemicals have been linked to serious health risks like cancer, liver issues, and pregnancy complications. By eliminating these toxic chemicals, California is taking an important step to protect women’s health.
These new laws represent just a few of the changes happening in California to improve fairness, safety, and health for families across the state. Stay tuned for more updates as additional bills become law, and make sure to check how these changes might benefit your family!
Stay informed, stay empowered!
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