Gold Panners for El Dorado State,
New laws that will transform your day-to-day life in California starting in July
Story by Gabriela León
Markets today
As a California resident, beginning July 1, 2025, you will notice a series of changes that will impact your daily life. The state is implementing a set of laws designed to protect your finances, health, and safety, while also cracking down on retail theft and improving labor conditions.
Greater protection against unauthorized automatic charges
If you've ever forgotten to cancel a subscription after a trial period, Bill AB 2863 will benefit you directly. From now on, companies will not be allowed to automatically renew a service without your explicit consent. This ends tacit renewal practices that often led to unwanted and unexpected charges on your card.
More security in online purchases
Digital platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay will be required to cooperate with law enforcement if stolen goods are detected for sale. This measure not only aims to fight organized retail theft but also protects you as a buyer from illegal merchandise.
Transparency in short-term rentals
If you use services like Airbnb, you must now be clearly informed about any additional cleaning fees before booking. If this rule is not followed, the company may face fines of up to $10,000, protecting you from hidden charges.
New minimum wages by city
In Berkeley and San Francisco, the new minimum will be $19.18 per hour.
In Fremont, it will rise to $17.75 per hour.
These increases aim to match the high cost of living in certain areas of the state.
New measures in health and wellness
Your mental health is also a focus of these reforms. Starting in July, schools must include the 988 crisis hotline on student ID cards. This small yet meaningful change could make it easier to access help during critical moments.
In addition, if you work for a company with more than 100 employees, your health insurance must cover fertility treatments, expanding your reproductive and healthcare rights.
Support for people with mental disorders
The CARE Act, which allows for judicial intervention to assist individuals with untreated mental disorders, will also be strengthened. This represents the state’s effort to address severe mental health situations in a more compassionate and structured way.
In summary, these new laws represent a comprehensive effort by the state to strengthen your consumer protections, ensure better working conditions, and reinforce public safety. Being informed will help you adapt to the changes and better exercise your rights from day one.
END
Once again Gold Panners, you may like some of the laws and not others, either way they add to the many, many laws and regulations we suffer under living in California, tic tock, tic tock.
Sharon Durst
Comments please to: Republic4eldoradostate@gmail.com
Please join us every 3rd Thursday, 6pm at the Rescue Community Center, 4180 Green Valley Rd.