The California Legislature did not limit its legislative fervor to employment law. Here are several new laws that may personally affect you:

Police Officers Must Tell You Why You Were Stopped
Starting January 1, 2024, it will be illegal for the first thing an officer says to you when he or she pulls you over “Do you know why I stopped you?” Now, the officer has to tell you why you were stopped before engaging in further questioning,
except when the office “reasonably believes that withholding the reason for the stop is necessary to protect life or property from imminent threat.”

Speed Camera Use To Expand
Your next speeding ticket could come from a traffic camera. Six cities, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Long Beach, and Glendale have been authorized to automatically capture the license plate information and ticket drivers who are
traveling at least 11 miles per hour over the road’s speed limit. The first violation up to 15 miles per hour will be a warning. The system will only be used for the next five years, at least at this time, and will only be allowed in school zones, safety corridors or areas where speeding is a common problem. It will not be used on freeways.

Students Cannot Be Suspended from School for “Willful Defiance”
Effective July 1, 2023, through July 1, 2029, public schools will be prohibited from suspending our expelling students due to “willful defiance.” “Willful defiance” is the disruption of school activities or defiance of authority such as supervisors, teachers or administrators. Instead, public schools must utilize intervention methods, including in-school and outside support, and document the actions taken within five days of the incident.

Landlords Limited to One Month’s Rent as Security Deposit
Except for landlords who own two or less rental properties with no more than four total rentable units, starting July 1, 2024, a landlord cannot charge more than one month’s rent for a security deposit.

Right to Repair Your Devices
Starting January 1, 2024, manufacturers of devices that cost more than $50 must provide consumers and repair shops with parts, tools, or instructions to repair the device (we’re looking at you Apple!)

Actual Cost Must Be Listed On Websites
Beginning July 1, 2024, websites will be required to show the actual cost of a service or item upfront, including fees. The law applies to hotel and short-term rental stays, event tickets, and food delivery services.

Crosswalks to Remain Clear
As of January 1, 2024, drivers are prohibited from stopping or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of an intersection or crosswalk.

If these laws affect you, contact our attorneys to help you traverse the multitude of issues raised by these laws.

The information presented is not intended to be, and does not constitute, “legal advice.” Because each situation varies, and only brief summary information is provided here, you should not use this information as a basis for action unless you have independently verified with your own counsel that it applies to your particular situation.