(Part 1 of 3)
BAN on Plastic Bags: New law requires that supermarkets and large pharmacies stop distributing plastic bags effective July 1, 2015. The ban will include convenience stores in 2016. The law does not apply to bags used for fruits, vegetables, or meats.
Bike Trails: Local agencies, including cities and park districts, may propose a vehicle registration surcharge of up to $5 to develop and maintain bikeways, but only if two-thirds of local voters approve such proposal.
Birth control: Most health plans are required to cover contraceptive drugs, devices and products for women, as well as related counseling, follow-up services, and voluntary sterilization procedures.
Bitcoin: Digital currencies including bitcoin are legal for transactions in California.
Breast Feeding: Large airports in California must provide a room where women can breastfeed, located behind security screening and separate from restrooms.
Chicken Cages. New law requires that hens have enough space to move around and not be kept in cramped cages. The new law extends to eggs from out-of-state suppliers.
Community College Degrees: New law creates a pilot program allowing certain community colleges to issue bachelor’s degrees in programs not duplicated by either California State University or the University of California.
Data Mining: State agencies are barred from cooperating with federal officials in the mass collection of phone and computer records unless a warrant has been issued.
DNA: Imprisoned felons can get DNA tests of evidence if they show that such tests are relevant to their cases, instead of the current requirement of a demonstration to prove their innocence.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: New law allows courts to include children in restraining orders issued to protect spouses of those who have committed domestic violence.
Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Immigrants: California illegal immigrants will be able to apply for state drivers’ license.
Drones: New law allows prosecution of paparazzi who use drones to photograph another person in private setting.
Education – Public schools must stock epinephrine injectors so medicine can be administered quickly to students who suffer serious allergic reactions. Schools can no longer expel students who “willfully defy” teachers or administrators at any grade level and cannot suspend students for that misbehavior through third grade. Colleges and universities must adopt a standard of clear consent for students engaging in sexual activity. “Affirmative consent” is required by both participants. Silence or lack of resistance can no longer be deemed consent.
Election: Absentee ballots mailed on Election Day will be counted if they arrive within three days. Eligible Californians cannot be disqualified from registering to vote on the grounds that they sign the required affidavit with a mark, cross or signature stamp.
Film Production Tax Credit: New law increases the state’s film and television tax credit from $100 million to $330 million a year for the next five years. Film and television producers have left California for other states that offer more lucrative credits.
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Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. The firm celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2015.
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Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in 704 Mira Monte Place, Pasadena, CA 91101. He has 50 years of experience in accounting, consulting, and tax work.
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The Firm proudly welcomes Arlene Al-os in 2015. She obtained her bachelors of Science in Accountancy from Mindanao State University and MBA from Ateneo de Manila University. She teaches intermediate accounting at UCLA and was a professor of Economics at Asia Pacific College. She has over 15 years of experience including member firms of KPMG and BDO Seidman accounting firms.
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Our readers may call (626) 744-0200 or email tax questions to [email protected]. Please visit our website for about 300 tax tips at www.victorsycpa.com.
