As the calendar flipped to 2024, Californians welcomed a host of new laws, bringing changes to various aspects of daily life. Among the notable additions is the state's concealed firearm restrictions, a measure that had been temporarily blocked by a federal judge but saw a temporary hold lifted as it makes its way through the courts.
The newly enacted law prohibits the carrying of firearms in certain public spaces, including parks, stadiums, and places of worship. Initially blocked by federal Judge Cormac Carney, the law faced scrutiny for its potential conflict with the Second Amendment. However, a federal appeals court panel intervened, temporarily holding Carney's ruling in a move that has ignited ongoing legal debates.
In response to the development, Governor Gavin Newsom expressed support for the law, emphasizing the importance of ensuring public spaces remain safe and free from guns. Newsom also reiterated his call for constitutional amendments addressing gun control, proposing measures such as raising the minimum age to own a gun and implementing universal background checks.
Beyond firearm regulations, here are some other noteworthy laws that took effect on January 1, 2024:
Consumer Protection:
- Insurance companies are now required to negotiate and settle payments with ambulance companies for out-of-network charges.
- A state restitution fund has been established for consumers who fall victim to false advertising.
Criminal Justice:
- A pilot program for speeding cameras will be implemented in six cities.
- Statewide bans on cruising and modifying vehicles to a certain low height have been lifted.
- Penalties for dealing more than one kilogram of fentanyl have been increased, adding three years to the sentence.
- Human sex trafficking of a minor is now classified as a "serious felony," resulting in heightened penalties.
- "Ebony Alerts" have been established for missing Black youth and women aged 12 to 25.
Education:
- Undocumented college students can now streamline the process of applying for state financial aid.
Health Care:
- Medi-Cal has been expanded to include eligible undocumented immigrants of all ages.
- Private health insurance plans are now required to cover birth control products for women without prescriptions or co-pays at in-network pharmacies. Out-of-pocket costs for vasectomies for men with private insurance are also banned.
- Nursing homes must offer residents copies of any information explaining reasons for eviction.
Housing:
- Religious institutions and non-profit colleges now find it easier to develop affordable housing.
- Developers are given permission to build denser, taller buildings if additional units are set aside for middle-income earners.
- Courts are empowered to address "frivolous" environmental lawsuits more efficiently.
Workplace:
- Guaranteed paid sick leave has been increased from three to five days a year.
- Employers are prohibited from using hair or urine test results for marijuana in decisions to fire or penalize workers. Job applicants cannot be questioned about prior cannabis use, with exceptions for certain industries and positions requiring federal background checks.
As California embarks on the journey into 2024, these new laws set the tone for a year of evolving regulations and societal norms.