As the new year begins, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting several public safety laws passed during the recent legislative session and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. These new laws aim to address public safety challenges while embracing modern technological advancements. Unless otherwise noted, the laws take effect on January 1, 2025.
Cracking Down on Retail Theft
To combat organized retail theft, Senate Bill 982 makes the crime permanent by eliminating the expiration date for existing provisions targeting these offenses. Senate Bill 1242 clarifies penalties for crimes involving the unlawful setting of fires, particularly those linked to retail theft operations. Additionally, Senate Bill 1416 introduces sentencing enhancements for individuals reselling stolen goods, with penalties increasing based on the value of the stolen property, ranging from $50,000 to over $3 million.
Assembly Bill 1779 streamlines prosecution by allowing district attorneys to consolidate theft offenses across multiple counties into a single trial, provided all affected county district attorneys agree. Assembly Bill 1802 ensures the crime of organized retail theft remains defined in state law and extends the CHP’s Property Crimes Task Force indefinitely. Meanwhile, Assembly Bill 1972 expands the task force’s scope to include cargo theft and provide logistical support to railroad police, addressing an urgent need that went into effect immediately in August 2024.
To further address retail crime, Assembly Bill 2943 creates a specific crime for serial theft, allowing the aggregation of property values for thefts committed within 90 days to qualify as grand theft. It also promotes diversion programs for minor offenders. Courts are now empowered by Assembly Bill 3209 to issue restraining orders against individuals convicted of retail theft-related crimes, barring them from entering affected establishments.
Emergency Alerts and Real-Time Data Sharing
Emergency alerts will now be bolstered by Assembly Bill 2645, which allows transportation agencies operating electronic toll collection systems to share real-time license plate data with law enforcement during active alerts, such as AMBER, Ebony, or Feather Alerts. This measure eliminates the need for a warrant in these situations, enabling quicker responses to emergencies.
Reckless Driving and Sideshows
Reckless driving and street takeovers, also known as sideshows, are receiving tougher enforcement measures. Assembly Bill 1978 permits law enforcement to store vehicles involved in obstructing highways or parking facilities during speed contests. Assembly Bill 2186 allows the impoundment of vehicles used in off-street parking lot speed exhibitions for up to 30 days. Assembly Bill 2807 officially defines sideshows and street takeovers to standardize enforcement across the state. Additionally, Assembly Bill 3085 authorizes authorities to seize vehicles involved in illegal speed contests, with notices of impoundment now allowed to be served electronically.
Electric Bicycle Safety
New safety standards for electric bicycles will also take effect. Senate Bill 1271 requires e-bikes, powered mobility devices, and lithium-ion batteries to meet accredited safety standards by 2026. Beginning in 2028, non-compliant e-bikes and their components cannot be rented or sold. Assembly Bill 1774 prohibits modifications to e-bikes that alter their speed beyond their classification, while Assembly Bill 2234 establishes an electric bicycle safety program in San Diego County, restricting riders under the age of 12 from operating certain e-bike classes.
Autonomous Vehicles
California continues to adapt to autonomous vehicle technology. Senate Bill 1313 prohibits devices that interfere with driver monitoring systems in autonomous and advanced driver-assistance-equipped vehicles. Assembly Bill 1777, effective in July 2026, requires autonomous vehicles without human operators to include communication devices for first responders and enables law enforcement to issue notices of noncompliance to manufacturers for traffic violations.
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety will also see improvements with Assembly Bill 1904, which allows transit agencies to equip buses with “yield” right-of-way signs to enhance safety near bus stops.
Property Theft from Vehicles
Property theft from vehicles is addressed in Senate Bill 905, which establishes new crimes for unlawful entry into vehicles and possession of stolen goods intended for resale. The law allows aggregating the value of stolen goods over two years to meet felony thresholds.
Clean Air and Speed Enforcement
In environmental and speed enforcement initiatives, Assembly Bill 2678 extends the use of Clean Air Vehicle decals in high-occupancy vehicle lanes through 2027. Senate Bill 1297 launches a speed enforcement pilot program in Malibu, utilizing automated systems to detect and photograph speeding vehicles.