New California Laws For 2020

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Every year hundreds of new California laws take effect Jan. 1. Many of them won't have much effect on your daily life. Here's a closer look at some that might in 2020.

We'll be posting more stories throughout December, so check back to learn more about the impacts of each law.

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Stories related to: New California Laws 2020

Health Care

Regardless of Immigration Status, All Low-Income Californians Up to Age 26 Can Now Sign Up for Medi-Cal

January 6, 2020 | Sammy Caiola

California is the first state to offer Medicaid benefits to undocumented young adults. The policy change took effect Jan. 1, 2020.

State Government

New California Laws Will Make It Easier To Build Granny Flats

January 3, 2020 | Chris Nichols

One new law that goes into effect this month reduces fees local governments charge to build these small homes, also called accessory dwelling units or ADUs. Another speeds up the approval process.

State Government

What You Need To Know About California’s New Domestic Partnership Law

December 26, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

All Californians will be eligible for domestic partnerships as an alternative to marriage beginning in January 2020. This option was previously reserved for same-sex couples, and opposite-sex couples over age 62.

State Government

Nearly All Employees In California Will Receive Sexual Harassment Prevention Training In 2021 Under New Law

December 24, 2019 | Scott Rodd

The law grew out of the Me Too and We Said Enough movements, which sparked a flurry of legislation to address sexual misconduct.

State Government

California Will Ban Hair Discrimination Starting In 2020

December 24, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

A new California law forbids schools and workplaces from discriminating against students, workers or job applicants based on hairstyles historically associated with race.

State Government

Companies Like Uber, Facebook Say They Won't Need To Adjust To New California Laws

December 24, 2019 | Ben Adler

As California seeks to crack down on worker misclassification, predatory lending and consumer data privacy, some companies are fighting back — by flat-out refusing to comply with new laws that they say don’t apply to them.

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State Government

Kids Under 12 Can No Longer Be Sent To Juvenile Hall For Most Crimes Starting In 2020

December 20, 2019 | Steve Milne

California has no minimum age for sending children to juvenile hall. But that's about to change under a new law taking effect in 2020.

State Government

California Landlords Can't Reject Tenants Solely For Using Vouchers Starting In 2020

December 18, 2019 | Chris Nichols

Landlords will not be forced to rent to federal voucher holders, under the program formerly known as Section 8. They will still be able to use credit and background checks when deciding on rental applications.

Ezra David Romero / Capital Public Radio

Environment

You Could Get Fined $25 If You Smoke At A California State Beach Or Park Starting In 2020

December 18, 2019 | Ezra David Romero

California decided in 2019 to make smoking and vaping on public land a bit tougher.

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Health Care

Mental Health Care Could Get Easier for New Moms Under New California Rules

December 18, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

A new California law could help women receive consistent services even if their mental health provider leaves their insurance network. And a budget bill effective Jan. 1 allows mothers on Medi-Cal to access mental health services for longer.

Regardless of Immigration Status, All Low-Income Californians Up to Age 26 Can Now Sign Up for Medi-Cal

New California Laws Will Make It Easier To Build Granny Flats

What You Need To Know About California’s New Domestic Partnership Law

Nearly All Employees In California Will Receive Sexual Harassment Prevention Training In 2021 Under New Law

California Will Ban Hair Discrimination Starting In 2020

Companies Like Uber, Facebook Say They Won't Need To Adjust To New California Laws

Kids Under 12 Can No Longer Be Sent To Juvenile Hall For Most Crimes Starting In 2020

California Landlords Can't Reject Tenants Solely For Using Vouchers Starting In 2020

You Could Get Fined $25 If You Smoke At A California State Beach Or Park Starting In 2020

Mental Health Care Could Get Easier for New Moms Under New California Rules

Election 2020: Latest Results And Updates

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New California Laws For 2020

Stories related to: New California Laws 2020

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