New California Laws Effective July , 2025
A wave of consumer-friendly and safety-driven legislation takes effect today:
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Minimum wage rises in San Francisco, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Fremont to nearly $20/hr (state base $16.50)
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SB 1144 mandates online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon) to flag suspected stolen goods to law enforcement
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Distracted‑driving is now banned even when using hand-held navigation
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AB 2202 requires Airbnb hosts to disclose all fees upfront—non-compliance carries up to $10,000 fines
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SB 729 expands insurance for IVF, benefiting LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents
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AB 2863 and other bills boost consumer transparency (e.g., recurring subscriptions, drink lids at bars)
These measures aim to bolster consumer rights, transparency, and public safety across the state.