Goodbye, plastic bags. Hello, lower insulin copays. See new California laws for 2026
California will usher in new rules in 2026 that will aim to keep up with the changes in our society, including the advancement of artificial intelligence and the increase in electric bike riders, especially minors without a drivers license.
Here’s a look at some of the new California laws that will go into effect in the coming year.
Ads for streaming platforms
Streaming platform users in California will no longer be jolted by the sudden spikes in sound soon when watching content on services like Peacock, YouTube and Netflix.
As SB 576 was signed into law this year, streaming companies will be banned from playing commercials louder than the shows and movies.
This is a digital version of the federal CALM Act that was signed into law in 2010 to ensure TV commercials are not louder than the show they interrupt.
The bill was introduced by State Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana). The proposal was inspired by the daughter of the Senator’s legislative director, whose naps were disrupted by loud commercials.
The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
AI content labeling
SB 942, known as the California Artificial Intelligence Transparency Act, would require large generative AI providers to provide a free AI-detection tool to users so they can check whether content is altered by AI.
If consumers use the AI platform to create images, videos or audio files, they should also be given an option to add a clear visual label to notify the content was created by AI.
The AI providers must have over 1 million users a month, such as Meta, Google and OpenAI.
The bill, which aims to help consumers distinguish between human-created and AI-generated content, goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Appliance in rental units
Property owners will soon be required to provide working appliances, including “adequate heating and hot water systems” in rental units, starting in January of 2026.
For appliances, such as a stove and refrigerator, to be considered in good working conditions, tenants should be able to safely cook and store food, according to AB 628.
Landlords will also be required to maintain the appliances. If a household item is subject to a recall, it should be repaired or replaced within 30 days.
If tenants wish to bring in their own appliances, the mutual agreement with the property owner must be noted in the lease.
The law will go into effect for new or changed leases, starting on Jan. 1, 2026.
Burglary tools
Under AB 486, it will become a misdemeanor to possess a key-programming device, key-duplicating device or signal extender with the intent to commit burglary.
Violators could face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Cal State admissions
Eligible high school seniors will be automatically given admission to Cal State University schools without having to submit applications.
Seniors, who have a minimum GPA of 2.5, will receive a direct admission letter based on their coursework and grades.
SB 640, authored by State Senator Christopher Cabaldon (D-Yolo), was inspired by a direct admissions pilot that started in Riverside County.
The CSU system said it will work with school districts and schools to obtain information before informing students that they are admissible to CSU schools.
After receiving an official offer of acceptance, students will still need to submit an application.
Cat declawing ban
Veterinary groups and animal advocates will finally get what they have been pushing for: It will be officially illegal to declaw cats in the state of California, starting on Jan. 1, 2026.
For various reasons, such as stopping cats from ruining furniture and scratching family members, people have declawed their feline pets.
But the supporters of AB 867 have said declawing is inhumane as it amputates bones, leading to pain and reducing the animals’ quality of life.
Declawing will be allowed only when a medical procedure is necessary for cats’ health, and it must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
Data breach notification
Businesses that operate in California will be required to notify customers of a data breach within 30 days in the new year.
The previous law did mandate companies to notify customers, but it did not have a specific deadline.
Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, businesses must notify affected people within 30 calendar days after discovering the breach under SB 446.
If a data breach affects more than 500 California residents, the business must also send a sample copy of the notification to the state Justice Department within 15 calendar days of notifying consumers.
Companies can be exempt from the law if law enforcement determines notifying consumers may hinder the investigation into the breach.
Electric bikes
Under AB 544, electric bike riders are required to outfit their bikes with a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear at all times — not just during darkness as previously required.
Minors cited for helmet violations will be able to meet safety education requirements by completing an online CHP e-bike safety and training program.
Food delivery refund
Under AB 578, food delivery apps and platforms will be mandated to give customers full refunds, including tips, taxes and fees, if their order is not delivered or the wrong order is delivered.
The new law will also require the companies to give refunds to the original payment method, not just credits.
If the platform’s automated tools cannot troubleshoot issues, customers must be able to reach a live customer service representative under the new law.
Food delivery apps will also be banned from using tips or gratuities to reduce the base pay of delivery workers.
Insulin copays
SB 40 was approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October after it passed the state legislature to cap insulin costs at $35 for a 30-day supply for Californians on private health plans.
Large group insurers will also be required to ensure at least one type of insulin for patients, starting on Jan. 1, 2026.
Individual or small group health care insurers will need to cap co-pays at $35, starting on Jan. 1, 2027.
About 3.5 million people in California are believed to be diabetic, with many of them relying on the life-saving drug, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Minimum wage
On Jan. 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the state of California will go from $16.50 to $16.90 per hour.
The increase will affect hourly as well as salaried workers who are not entitled to overtime pay. That means based on the new minimum wage, the minimum salary for exempt employees will be $70,304.
In the city of Los Angeles, the minimum wage is higher than the state rate after it was increased to $17.87 per hour on July 1, 2025.
‘No Secret Police’
After the federal government began immigration enforcement operations in June, many Californians expressed outrage that masked agents were detained from various places across the state.
The frustration was manifest into SB 627, which Gov. Newsom approved to restrict law enforcement officers, both local and federal, from wearing masks or facial coverings in public while performing their duties.
The law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, does not apply to some undercover agents to protect their identities and secrecy of their operations.
The federal government filed a lawsuit to block the enforcement of SB 627, claiming that California does not have the authority to regulate federal officers under the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.
Parking ticket relief
Starting on Jan. 1, local agencies that handle parking citations, such as the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, will have the ability to reduce, suspend or waive parking penalties if people are not able to pay for them.
Under AB 1299, those with outstanding parking tickets must be able to prove their financial hardships as homelessness.
Car owners can also “file a request to participate in a payment plan at any time,” the bill said.
Plastic bag senate bill 1053
After phasing out plastic bags at retailers for nearly a decade, California is set to further tighten the previous law by completely eliminating single carry-out bags, including the thick kind that was widely considered reusable.
Shoppers will no longer have the option of purchasing plastic bags at cashiers. Some stores may offer recycled paper bags for 10 cents per bag.
Even for those paper bags, they must contain at least 50% post-consumer recycled materials by Jan. 1, 2028, according to AB 1053.
