California lawmakers approved dozens of new laws in 2025 addressing housing development, wildfire prevention, labor protections and more.
Several of the measures, authored by Silicon Valley legislators, will take effect in 2026 and shape daily life across Santa Clara County and the state.
Environment
Plastic grocery bag ban
Senate Bill 1053 closes a loophole in California’s plastic bag ban that allowed grocery stores to provide thicker plastic bags labeled as reusable. Under the law, grocery stores are no longer allowed to offer plastic shopping bags at checkout. The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Preparing for wildfires
Two bills championed by San Jose state Sen. Dave Cortese tackle wildfire resilience. The aim is to reduce wildfire risk and address rising insurance costs.
Senate Bill 653 clarifies what qualifies as environmentally friendly vegetation management, making it easier for organizations to apply for wildfire prevention grants through Proposition 4, the state’s $10 billion climate bond. Senate Bill 429 creates a statewide wildfire safety and risk management program to develop a public wildfire catastrophe model, with funding beginning Sept. 1.
Abandoned shopping carts
Cortese also authored Senate Bill 753 which addresses abandoned shopping carts, which have posed challenges for cities like San Jose as officials work to clear debris from sidewalks and waterways.
The law allows cities to return carts directly to retailers and increases the retrieval fee from $50 to $100. It takes effect Jan. 1.
Housing
Housing near transit stops
Senate Bill 79 allows housing developments near major public transportation stops, streamlining approval for higher-density projects. Supporters say the law encourages housing construction in transit-rich areas. It takes effect July 1.
Stoves and refrigerators for renters
Assembly Bill 628 requires landlords to provide working stoves and refrigerators to tenants as part of lease agreements starting Jan. 1. Landlords must repair or replace appliances subject to recalls, though tenants and landlords may agree that a tenant will provide and maintain their own refrigerator.
Disclosing altered real estate images
San Jose Assemblymember Gail Pellerin authored Assembly Bill 723, which requires real estate agents to disclose when listing images have been digitally altered and to attach the original photos. Pellerin said the measure protects consumers from deceptive advertising. The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Law enforcement
dentification for law enforcement
Senate Bill 805 requires law enforcement officers in California to display their agency name and either their name or badge number while interacting with the public, with limited exceptions. Supporters say the law improves transparency. It takes effect Jan. 1.
Face-covering ban
Senate Bill 627 generally prohibits law enforcement officers from covering their faces while on duty. The law is facing legal challenges.
Removing loopholes in rape laws
Silicon Valley state Sen. Aisha Wahab’s Senate Bill 258 removes language in state law that created an exception to rape when the victim is a spouse with a disability preventing legal consent. Wahab said the change closes a longstanding loophole. The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Education
Immigration enforcement notifications
Senate Bill 98 requires K–12 schools and colleges to notify their communities when immigration enforcement agents are present on campus. The law also restricts immigration officers from entering certain areas without a warrant or court order. It takes effect Jan. 1.
Gender-neutral bathrooms
Under Senate Bill 760, all California public schools must have at least one gender-neutral restroom. The requirement takes effect July 1.
Guaranteed Cal State University admission
Senate Bill 640 expands a direct admission program guaranteeing qualified high school students admission to a California State University campus. Lawmakers say the program simplifies college access. The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Repealing truancy-related misdemeanors
Silicon Valley Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens’ Assembly Bill 461 repeals laws that allowed parents or guardians of chronically absent students to face misdemeanor charges, fines and jail time. Ahrens said the change avoids criminalizing families facing underlying challenges. The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Pets
Restrictions on pet brokers
Assembly Bill 519 prohibits pet brokers from selling or offering dogs, cats or rabbits under 1-year-old. Lawmakers say the law targets unethical breeding practices. It takes effect Jan. 1.
Labor and workers’ rights
Wage theft penalties
Wahab’s Senate Bill 261 increases penalties for employers who fail to comply with wage theft judgments. It also allows county prosecutors to recover attorney’s fees, strengthening local enforcement. The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Contact Maryanne Casas-Perez at maryannecasasperez@gmail.com.
This story originally appeared in San José Spotlight.