What laws are changing in California in 2024?

Why are people leaving California in 2025?

The state's high cost of living is a key driver of this out-migration. Lower-income Californians are more likely to move, and housing costs have become a much more common explanation for moving—even as jobs and family remain important factors as well.

What is the 7 year rule in California?

In California, the "7-Year Rule" has two main meanings: for employment background checks, it generally limits reporting of adverse information (like arrests, civil suits, paid liens) to the past seven years, with exceptions for certain serious crimes; and in the entertainment industry, Labor Code §2855 limits personal service contracts to seven years, allowing artists to exit long-term deals. Both rules aim to protect individuals from perpetual negative records or overly restrictive, long-term personal contracts.
 

Who gets $20 an hour in California?

In California, fast-food workers at chains with 60 or more locations nationwide get a minimum of $20 per hour, effective April 1, 2024, under the new AB 1228 law (the Fast Act). This law, which significantly raises the state's general minimum wage, covers employees at major chains like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Subway, though exemptions exist for places like airports, hotels, and some in-store eateries. 

What is the new felony law in California?

Recent California laws, primarily SB 731 (2022), significantly expand record-clearing, automatically sealing records for many non-violent felons who complete their sentences and stay crime-free for four years, while Proposition 36 (2024) modified sentencing for certain drug and theft offenses, focusing on rehabilitation and adding penalties for fentanyl distribution. These laws aim to provide second chances by making it easier to expunge or seal records, though serious and violent offenders are generally excluded, and new laws also introduce treatment options for drug offenses. 

What is the new clothing law in California?

Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that requires companies that make clothing, footwear and textiles, including drapes, towels and bedding, to set up the nation's first mandatory take-back program for unwanted clothes.”

What laws don't make sense in California?

In Los Angeles, it is against the law to lick a toad. Zoot suits are prohibited in Los Angeles. It is a misdemeanor to shoot at any kind of game from a moving vehicle, unless the target is a whale. It is a crime for dogs to mate within 500 yards of a church.

What is California banning in 2026?

California's sweeping 2026 reforms include banning cat declawing, outlawing single-use plastic bags, and pricey insulin. SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is changing things up in 2026 for residents and businesses, as many practices and items are being phased out.

Is California getting rid of all plastic bags?

California to ban all plastic bags at retail stores starting in 2026. New law is a stricter version of 2016 ban Californians voted into law. SACRAMENTO, Calif.

Can I still drive my gas car after 2035?

Yes, you can still drive gas cars after 2035, as regulations focus on banning new gas car sales, not existing ones, allowing people to keep driving, selling, and buying used gasoline-powered vehicles indefinitely, though the availability of new gas cars will end in states following California's lead. California and other states aim for 100% zero-emission new car sales by 2035, with allowances for plug-in hybrids, but existing internal combustion engine (ICE) cars remain legal to own and operate. 

What is California's new law?

New California laws taking effect in 2026 cover consumer protections, education, labor, and environment, including a ban on most plastic bags, a 3-day used car return window, mandatory kitchen appliances for landlords, stricter streaming ad volume, increased minimum wage to $16.90, and new rules for AI chatbots and student cell phone use in schools. Key areas also focus on LGBTQ youth mental health resources, enhanced labor enforcement, and food allergen labeling.
 

Is McDonald's paying $20 an hour in California?

Yes, most McDonald's workers in California earn at least $20 an hour due to a state law that went into effect in April 2024, mandating a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers at chains with over 60 locations nationwide, including McDonald's. This applies to both corporate and franchised locations, though some specific exemptions exist for places like those inside grocery stores or producing bread on-site. 

What is $70,000 a year hourly?

$70,000 a year is approximately $33.65 per hour, based on a standard 40-hour workweek (2,080 hours per year), calculated by dividing $70,000 by 2,080. This figure doesn't include taxes or benefits, but it's the common conversion for an annual salary to an hourly wage. 

Is pizza considered fast food?

Yes, pizza often falls into the "fast food" category due to its quick service, convenience (delivery, takeout), and availability from large chains, but it blurs the line because it's typically made to order, unlike traditional fast food's pre-cooked, batch-made model, with quality varying greatly from cheap slices to gourmet restaurant versions.
 

At what age can a child stay home by himself in California?

In California, there is no specific law that sets a minimum age at which a child can be left home alone.

What jobs can felons get in California?

Felony friendly jobs in California

• Dishwasher. Easily apply. ...
• Cleaner. Marriott International, Inc. ...
• Cannabis Cultivator. Easily apply. ...
• Warehouse Operator. Medline Industries. ...
• Warehouse/Packing Support Team Member. Easily apply. ...
• General Hard Laborer. Easily apply. ...
• $21 an Hour General Labor Position Needed. ...
• Warehouse Loader (Full Time)

Is my wife entitled to half my house if it's in my name in California?

Yes, in California, if your house was acquired during your marriage, it's generally considered community property, meaning your wife is likely entitled to half its value, even if only your name is on the title, because California law presumes equal ownership for assets bought during marriage, regardless of whose name is on the deed or who paid for it, but exceptions exist for pre-marital property, inheritances, or valid agreements. 

What is the #1 cause of death in California?

Heart disease and cancer consistently rank as the top two leading causes of death in California, followed by accidents (unintentional injuries), stroke (cerebrovascular diseases), and Alzheimer's disease, with these top five accounting for a majority of fatalities, though the pandemic temporarily shifted rankings.
 

What is the #1 state people are leaving?

While rankings vary slightly by source and year, New York and California consistently top the list of states people are leaving, often followed by Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, primarily due to high housing costs, taxes, and the pursuit of affordability and a better quality of life, often moving to warmer, less expensive states like Florida and Texas.
 

Is $50,000 enough to live in California?

Yes, you can live on $50k a year in California, but it's challenging and requires significant trade-offs, heavily depending on your location (rural CA is feasible; SF/LA are extremely tough) and lifestyle choices (roommates, budgeting, no car often needed). A $50k salary translates to roughly $3,000-$3,500/month after taxes, making rent a huge hurdle in high-cost areas, often requiring roommates or living far from job centers, while cheaper inland areas offer more breathing room.