New California Laws: Changes from July 1

A comprehensive set of new laws in California will take effect on July 1, bringing changes to everyday routines statewide. These laws aim to standardize food labels, restrict smartphone use in classrooms, and enhance oversight of driverless cars. This midyear legislative rollout acts as the second major annual implementation date in California, following January 1. Though these statutes have statewide implications, many offer flexibility to local school districts and municipal governments in their enforcement.

Consumer Protection and Food Safety

New regulations will affect food labeling, aiming to reduce confusion. Assembly Bill 660 introduces standardized expiration labels to replace the previous diverse labels. The new labels, “Best if Used By” for peak quality and “Use By” for food safety, are meant to reduce food waste. Governor Gavin Newsom signed this bill into law, which should save households money and decrease landfill waste.

Senate Bill 68, the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act, mandates large chain restaurants to clearly list major allergens in their menus or digital platforms. Signed by Newsom, this law followed advocacy efforts to assist those with severe allergies by ensuring better transparency.

Education and Student Well-Being

The “Phone-Free Schools Act” (AB 3216) requires public schools serving grades 1 to 12 to establish policies limiting smartphone usage during school hours. Local school boards have discretion over enforcement, so rules might vary. The law addresses concerns about the impact of heavy phone use on student mental health.

Under SB 760, California schools must also provide at least one gender-neutral restroom on campus, enhancing student inclusivity efforts.

Technology and Transportation

As driverless cars spread on roads, Senate Bill 1246 introduces tighter regulations. It requires that remote operators be U.S.-based and properly licensed. Autonomous vehicle companies must establish direct emergency communication and coordinate safety protocols with local authorities.

Housing and Infrastructure

Senate Bill 79 aims to tackle California’s housing shortage by promoting denser residential development near public transit hubs. Proposed by Democrat Senator Scott Wiener, this law facilitates converting commercially zoned land into housing, encouraging urban density in high-demand zones.

Senate Bill 576 addresses streaming viewers’ experience by prohibiting services like Netflix and Hulu from airing commercials at louder volumes than associated content, extending existing federal television standards to digital platforms.

Implications for Californians

The July 1 legislative milestone will significantly alter California’s regulatory environment. However, the local execution of several measures means residents will experience these changes differently depending on their city’s rules and school district enforcement.

For more information, contact Newsweek editors Tobias Meyjes and Anthony Murray.