New California Laws 2018

The California State Capitol on September 12, 2017.

Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Editor's Note: This is a look at laws taking effect in 2018. For a look at laws passing in 2018, follow our coverage of the California Legislature here.

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 2018.

To learn more about a law, click its title. More stories will be added throughout the month.

Stories related to: New California Laws 2018

State Government

California Skydiving Centers Must Ensure Instructors Are Certified

January 4, 2018 | Bob Moffitt

The death of a young man and his unlicensed skydiving instructor in Lodi has led to changes in the rules for California skydiving centers.

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Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio / File

Tracking, Reporting Of Rape Kits To Change In 2018

December 27, 2017 | Bob Moffitt

New rules in California will require law enforcement to better track rape kits and tell sexual assault victims their rights.

State Government

California Increasing Family Leave Benefits In 2018

December 26, 2017 | Ben Adler

California parents who want to take time off work with their brand-new babies could soon be eligible for both a financial boost and some job security.

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State Government

Dentists Can Offer More Services To Low-Income Californians

December 21, 2017 | Ben Bradford

Low-income Californians will have access to dental services they’ve lacked since 2009, under a law taking effect on New Year’s Day.

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State Government

Law Expands Safety Requirements For New Swimming Pools in California

December 21, 2017 | Chris Nichols

A law that goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2018 requires new and remodeled pools in California to have an additional safety layer to protect children from drowning.

Food and Sustainability

California Ranchers Will Need Vet's Prescription To Use Livestock Antibiotics

December 20, 2017 | Julia Mitric

A new law requires California ranchers to get a veterinarian's prescription to administer antibiotics to livestock.

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State Government

Employers In California Can No Longer Ask About Your Salary History

December 20, 2017 | Randol White

Supporters of the new law say it should help level the pay gap for women and people-of-color.

State Government

LGBT Seniors To Have More Protections In California Nursing Homes

December 20, 2017 | Randol White

A new California law aims to protect vulnerable LGBT seniors who may not have family members who can advocate for them or who may feel the need to go back into the closet for fear of retaliation by the nursing home.

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