With the start of 2025, a wave of new California laws has gone into effect, addressing a wide range of issues, from cracking down on retail theft and child trafficking to regulating artificial intelligence and social media sales. These changes reflect the state’s effort to tackle pressing concerns and enhance public safety. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable laws affecting cities across California, including Folsom.
Child Protection and Trafficking Laws
SB 1043 increases transparency at teen treatment facilities by requiring public disclosure of incidents involving restraints or seclusion rooms. An online dashboard will make these reports accessible. Paris Hilton, a vocal advocate, championed the bill alongside State Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield.
SB 1414 elevates the crime of soliciting or purchasing sex from a child under 15 to a felony. It provides discretion for prosecuting cases involving 16- and 17-year-olds.
AB 1955 bars school districts from mandating that teachers inform parents if a child identifies as transgender or requests a new name or pronoun.
AB 1394 allows survivors of child sexual exploitation to sue social media platforms for harm caused by app features. Platforms must also provide tools for reporting exploitative content.
SB 1063 mandates the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline and mental health resources be printed on student IDs for grades 7-12, effective July.
Crime and Public Safety
AB 2111 criminalizes tampering with a license plate’s reflective coating to evade detection.
SB 905 removes a legal loophole, allowing auto burglary charges without the requirement of locked vehicle doors.
Proposition 36 enhances penalties for repeat thieves and drug offenders, requiring felony charges after the third offense. It includes “Alexandra’s Law,” which warns convicted fentanyl dealers of potential murder charges if future sales result in death.
Cracking Down on Organized Retail Theft
AB 2943 permits law enforcement to combine thefts across different victims or counties to meet the $950 felony threshold. It also allows arrests for shoplifting without witnessing the act.
SB 1242 increases penalties for setting fires during retail theft.
AB 3209 authorizes courts to issue restraining orders prohibiting convicted retail thieves from entering stores for up to two years.
Sideshows and Street Takeovers
California’s streets face stricter rules to combat dangerous sideshows and illegal racing.
AB 1978 empowers law enforcement to impound vehicles used to block streets for illegal races.
AB 2807 officially defines sideshows as street takeovers under state law.
Artificial Intelligence and Election Integrity
AB 1836 prohibits the use of a deceased individual’s likeness through AI without consent.
AB 2655 requires online platforms to remove flagged deepfake content within 72 hours.
AB 2839 mandates courts to order the removal of AI-generated deceptive election content.
Business and Consumer Protections
AB 2863 simplifies the cancellation of subscription services by requiring clear “click-to-cancel” options.
SB 1775 legalizes cannabis cafes, allowing live performances and expanded product offerings in certain cities like Sacramento.
Environmental and Public Health Measures
AB 363 bans over-the-counter neonicotinoid pesticides, reserving use for trained professionals.
AB 413 prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks or intersections to improve pedestrian safety, a measure known as “daylighting.”
Education and Reparations
AB 1821 mandates education on California’s treatment of Indigenous peoples during colonization and the Gold Rush.
AB 3089 calls for the state to formally apologize for harm caused to African Americans and address systemic inequalities.
