Starting in 2025, many new laws are set to take effect in California, impacting households, businesses, and daily life for many, including Korean Americans. Social changes include the legalization of marijuana cafes and stricter regulations on gun transactions, artificial intelligence, and social media content. In the economic and labor sectors, there will be a minimum wage increase and a removal of the requirement to present a driver’s license for most jobs. In the transportation sector, new rules will prohibit parking within 20 feet of crosswalks, with violators subject to tickets. Below is a summary of the changes organized by category.

Social Changes
■ Ban on Legacy Admissions
Under AB 1780, starting September 1, 2025, nonprofit private universities in California are prohibited from considering whether applicants are children of donors or alumni during the admissions process.

■ Legalization of Marijuana Cafes
AB 1775 allows licensed marijuana retailers to sell food and beverages under specific conditions and local regulations. These venues may also host live music and other performances. However, food and beverages must not be mixed with or contaminated by marijuana.

■ Stricter Gun Regulations
AB 1483 eliminates an exemption allowing individuals to purchase firearms through dealers without the 30-day purchase permit requirement for private transactions. Additional laws, such as AB 1598, require gun dealers to provide safety manuals to purchasers. AB 2917 and AB 574 enhance restrictions on firearm ownership in specific risk scenarios and mandate the inclusion of ownership records within 30 days of purchase.

■ Regulation of AI-Generated Explicit Content
SB 926 criminalizes the creation or distribution of sexually explicit images generated by AI if it is known to cause distress to the depicted individual. SB 981 and AB 1394 require social media platforms to establish systems for reporting and removing such content, with penalties of up to $4 million for violations. AB 1836 and AB 2602 prohibit the use of AI to replicate a deceased person’s likeness or voice without the consent of the individual or their family.

■ Tougher Penalties for Soliciting Minors for Prostitution
SB 1414 makes soliciting individuals under 16 for prostitution a felony.

Economic and Labor Policies
■ Minimum Wage Increase
California's minimum wage will rise from $16 to $16.50 per hour. Local jurisdictions may set higher rates, such as $17.27 in LA County and $17.28 in Los Angeles City. Adjustments for inflation will take effect on July 1, 2025.

■ Prohibition on Rental Fee Charges
Starting July 1, under SB 611, landlords and property managers can no longer charge tenants fees for paying rent or deposits by check. They are also prohibited from charging for delivering notices.

■ Ban on Religious/Political Coercion at Work
SB 399, known as the “Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act,” prohibits employers from forcing employees to attend meetings promoting the company’s religious or political beliefs. Employees cannot face retaliation for refusing to attend or participate in such discussions.

■ Removal of Driver’s License Requirement for Most Jobs
Under SB 1100, employers cannot require job applicants to present a valid driver’s license unless driving is essential to the job. This applies to job postings unless alternative transportation options are unreasonably impractical.

■ Paid Family Leave Protections
AB 2123 prevents employers from requiring workers to exhaust unused vacation time before accessing Paid Family Leave benefits.

■ Ban on Overdraft Fees
AB 2017 prohibits banks and credit unions from charging fees when transactions are declined due to insufficient funds.

■ Exclusion of Medical Debt from Credit Scores
SB 1061 prevents credit agencies from considering medical debt when calculating credit scores. Violations may result in the cancellation of the debt.

Transportation Rules
■ No Parking Near Crosswalks
The “Daylighting Law” (AB 413) prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety. Even without red curb markings, parking within this area is subject to a $40 fine.

■ Enhanced Protections for Vehicle Burglary Victims
Previously, vehicle burglary required proof that the vehicle was locked. Under SB 905, prosecutors only need to prove “forcible entry” without requiring the vehicle owner to testify.

■ Increased Minimum Auto Insurance Liability
SB 1107 doubles the minimum liability limits for auto insurance to provide better compensation for accident victims. Individual bodily injury coverage increases from $15,000 to $30,000, per-accident bodily injury coverage rises from $30,000 to $60,000, and property damage coverage goes from $5,000 to $15,000. However, this is expected to lead to higher insurance premiums.

By Han Hyung-Seok

<Hyung-Seok Han>