In 2026, California will implement hundreds of new laws, many of which focus on consumer rights, workplace protections, and education.

By: Eye On Inglewood Staff Writer

Halimah Ginyard

Consumer & Environmental Laws

Plastic Bag Ban (SB 1053): Starting January 1, 2026, grocery stores are prohibited from providing any plastic shopping bags, including the thicker "reusable" ones previously allowed. Stores will only offer recycled paper bags, typically for a 10-cent fee.
Used Car Returns (SB 766): Beginning October 1, 2026, buyers of used vehicles from dealers will have a 3-day window to return the car for a refund.
Food Delivery Refunds (AB 578):Platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash must provide full refunds for undelivered or incorrect orders and offer access to human customer service.
Streaming Ad Volume (SB 576):Effective July 1, 2026, streaming services cannot play advertisements at a volume louder than the primary content.
Credit Union Overdraft Fees (SB 1075): Fees for overdrafts or nonsufficient funds at credit unions are capped at $14.

Housing & Renter Rights

Required Appliances (AB 628):Landlords must provide and maintain a working stove and refrigerator in all rental units for leases signed on or after January 1, 2026.
Eviction Protection (AB 246): Tenants cannot be evicted for nonpayment if their Social Security benefits were delayed due to a federal government shutdown.
Transit-Oriented Housing (SB 79):Starting July 1, 2026, new higher-density apartment buildings (up to nine stories) will be allowed near major transit hubs in select counties, overriding some local zoning rules.

Workplace & Employment

Minimum Wage Increase: The statewide minimum wage rises to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026. The exempt salary threshold also increases to $70,304 per year.
"Stay or Pay" Contracts (AB 692):Contracts requiring employees to repay training costs or relocation fees if they quit early are largely prohibited for new agreements.
Gig Worker Unions (AB 1340): Uber and Lyft drivers gain the right to organize and bargain collectively while remaining independent contractors.
Tip Theft Enforcement (SB 648): The Labor Commissioner can now directly investigate and issue citations for withheld or stolen tips.

Health & Public Safety

Low-Cost Insulin (SB 40): Large health plans must cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply. Additionally, the state will begin selling its own CalRx-branded insulin for as little as $11 per pen.
Cat Declawing Ban (AB 867): Surgical declawing of cats is banned statewide unless medically necessary.
Law Enforcement Transparency (SB 627 & SB 805): Most officers are prohibited from wearing face masks during operations (SB 627) and non-uniformed officers must visibly display identification (SB 805).
Sexual Assault Lawsuits (AB 250): A two-year window (2026–2027) is established to revive civil claims for sexual assault, even if the statute of limitations has expired, provided a cover-up is alleged.

Education

Phone-Free Schools (AB 3216): All K-12 public schools must adopt policies by July 1, 2026, to limit or prohibit student smartphone use on campus.
Guaranteed CSU Admission (SB 640):Qualified high school graduates will be automatically admitted to a California State University campus for the 2026-2027 school year.
Diwali State Holiday (AB 268):Beginning in 2026, Diwali is recognized as a state holiday; public schools and community colleges will be closed.