Law New

A new year brings a host of new laws that affect the way Californians live, work and play. Here are some of the most noteworthy ones.

Minimum Wage

Starting this month, fast food workers in California will be required to earn at least $16 an hour. The bill also creates a Fast-Food Council to determine future wage increases and working conditions.

Privacy

The California Delete Act gives consumers greater control over their personal data by requiring data brokers to register with the state and provide users with a way to direct them to delete their information. The law also allows cities to establish Entertainment Zones, which would allow existing restaurants and bars to sell alcohol during permitted street festivals.

Landlords will no longer be able to require tenants to save up two months’ rent as a security deposit when moving into an apartment. The new law limits the amount landlords can charge for a security deposit to one month’s rent.

A bill goes through a rigorous process before being considered for approval by the legislature. The committee staff prepares a detailed report on the bill, which includes a section-by-section analysis and explains why the committee recommends it for approval. These reports are highly valued by the courts and executive departments as a resource for understanding the purpose and meaning of laws.