EACH year brings hundreds of new laws to Californians and the year 2017 is no exception.
Cell phones while driving AB No. 1785: Any electronic devices including smart phones will be illegal to hold and use while driving. Drivers who want to use their smart phones must have it mounted on the dashboard or vehicle windshield. A fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for subsequent offense.
Car seats AB No. 53: In 2017, unless he or she weighs more than 40 pounds or 40 inches tall, children younger than two years old are required to sit in rear-facing child passenger safety seats. That’s a change from the law that only required children under the age of eight to sit in a car seat or booster seat.
Increase in Minimum Wage SB No. 3: In 2017, minimum wage workers will see a slight increase in their paychecks. For businesses with 26 employees or more under SB 3 minimum wage increased from $10 to $10.50 per hour and will go up to $15 per hour gradually in 2022.
Gun Laws SB No. 1446: Starting July 1, 2017, gun owners will be required to surrender magazines that hold more than 10 rounds or large capacity magazine to a law enforcement agency for destruction. Buyers undergo a background check before buying an ammunition.
Increased Vehicle Registration Fee SB No. 838: Vehicle registration fee has been increased from $43 to $53 starting April 1, 2017.
Clarification on Sexual Assault AB No. 2888: The change came after the controversial sentencing of former Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner received a six-month jail sentence. Anyone who sexually assaulted an unconscious person will not be eligible for probation.
Right to Die SB No. 128: Patients who are terminally ill will be allowed to use experimental drugs. The law will also serve as a protection to physicians from disciplinary action if they recommend any experimental drugs to their patients once other treatment options have been exhausted.
Gender Neutral Restrooms AB No. 1732: Starting March 1, 2017, California single user toilet facilities are required to be identified as all-gender toilet or gender-neutral.
Serving Homeless Students AB No. 1995: Any students who are homeless will be able to use shower facilities at California’s community colleges.
Tenant’s Immigration Status AB No. 291: Landlord are prohibited to disclose tenant’s immigration status and from threatening to report tenants to immigration authorities.
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