These 8 new California laws go into effect today. Here’s what you need to know
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- Schools must print suicide hotline on IDs and may add QR codes for help links.
- Rental, online marketplace and subscription rules now require fee transparency.
- New laws expand workplace safety, fertility care and drink-spiking prevention.
A wave of new California laws take effect on Tuesday, July 1.
The laws bring changes that touch on everything from updated rules about health insurance and mental health to rules on retail theft and rental cleaning fees.
Here’s a breakdown of eight new California laws and what they mean for you:
California students get new mental health resources
Senate Bill 1063 requires all California public and private schools serving seventh through 12th grades to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student identification cards.
The law also authorizes schools to include “other suicide-prevention and emergency response numbers” on the cards and encourages them to include a QR code that links students directly to local mental health resources.
New state law makes changes to CARE Act
Senate Bill 42 will require California courts to keep families and caregivers informed during Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Act — also known as the CARE Act — proceedings.
The law strengthens the CARE Act, which helps adults with severe, untreated mental health conditions get the support they need.
The new law allows family members or caregivers to ask the court to set up either voluntary treatment agreement or a court-ordered care plan, while ensuring they receive regular updates throughout the process.
Bill cracks down on vacation rental cleaning fees
Assembly Bill 2202 aims to crack down on hidden cleaning fees often added by Airbnb and other short-term vacation rental companies.
Under the new law, these rental platforms must clearly list any extra charges — including fees for not completing cleaning tasks — before you book your stay.
Renters must also get a description of what those cleaning tasks are ahead of time.
Violating this law could result in fines of up to $10,000.
Stronger rules to prevent sales of stolen goods
Senate Bill 1144 requires online marketplaces, including eBay and Facebook, to enforce stronger rules to stop the sale of stolen goods.
The law says these platforms must collect details on high-volume sellers, post a clear policy against selling stolen items and provide a way for buyers to report suspicious listings.
If a site finds out a seller is offering stolen goods to someone in California, it must report them to law enforcement.
More workplace protections for babysitters, house cleaners
Senate Bill 1350 extends workplace safety protections to many household workers — including babysitters, house cleaners and in-home caregivers.
California law previously excluded domestic workers from the same health and safety protections other employees receive under the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as Cal/OSHA.
Whether they’re hired permanently or temporarily through an agency, these workers will now be covered by California’s workplace safety rules.
Employees’ health insurance must cover fertility treatments
Senate Bill 729 requires employers with 100 or more employees to offer health insurance to cover infertility diagnosis and fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization.
Most new or renewed health plans must offer this coverage starting July 1.
The law also updates the definition of infertility to be more inclusive and aims to improve access to fertility care for everyone — including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Some exceptions apply for religious employers.
California makes it easier to cancel subscriptions
Assembly Bill 2863 makes it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions, including those for online marketplaces such as Amazon and streaming video services including Netflix.
Companies must get your clear permission before renewing a paid subscription after a free trial or initial contract ends.
This change helps gives customers more control to stop unwanted subscription charges.
California bars must provide drink lids to prevent spiking
A new California law requires bars and nightclubs that serve alcohol but not food — also known as a Type 48 license holders — to offer drink lids to any customer who asks.
Assembly Bill 2375 aims to keep customers safe and prevent drinks from being spiked with alcohol, date rate drugs or other substances.
These establishments are also required to post safety notices and offer test kits that can detect if a drink has been tampered with.
This story was originally published July 1, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "These 8 new California laws go into effect today. Here’s what you need to know."
