Here are some of the new California laws starting in July
Californians will face a lineup of new laws in July. The new laws range from the relatively mundane DYI phone repair rules to a law intended to deter the use of date-rape drugs.
Here's a look at some of the new laws that went into effect on July 1:
New school rule limits student suspension
SB 274 prohibits suspensions in grades K-12 or for "disruption or willful defiance," a wide range of offenses, including suspending students for failing to bring their materials to class, wearing a hat, or talking back to a teacher. In a press release, the California School Board Association wrote, "Suspensions and expulsions are often imposed on students who are already struggling academically. It is reasoned that students act out because of the frustration and/or boredom they feel because they cannot follow the lesson."
Good at fixing things? New DIY gadget repair law is for you
SB 244, the Right to Repair Act, forces companies like Apple or Samsung to provide parts, tools, and instruction manuals to repair broken iPhones or tablets. “Improving the access to replacement parts and the safety of repairs with appropriate service documentation will give consumers the choice to save some money and keep their electronics and appliances a little longer before they must be replaced," said Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), the sponsor of the bill.
New rules on clearly listing fees for travel, concert tickets
If you've ever been surprised (or ticked off) at mysterious surcharges that show up when renting hotels, buying concert tickets, or ordering food from delivery services, two new laws are intended to put transparency into service billing. SB 478 is intended to make travel, food order, or ticket seller companies include surcharges in advertised prices. AB 537 makes short-term rentals like Airbnb provide the total price before a visitor checks out. “This new law will require clear, conspicuous disclosure of any fee and a description of its purpose on all advertisements," said State Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa). The law was amended at the last minute to exempt restaurants from including service and healthcare fees from their bills.
New law limits security deposit limits by landlords
Landlords can only charge one month's rent as a security deposit under AB 12. A previous law allowed landlords to charge deposits of up to twice the monthly rent for unfurnished units and up to three times the rent for furnished units. “Massive security deposits can create insurmountable barriers to housing affordability and accessibility for millions of Californians," said Matt Hanney (D-San Francisco), the bill's author.
Date-rape testing kits in California bars
California bars and clubs are now required to offer patrons drug-testing kits to crack down on predators from "spiking" beverages. The tests help customers know if their drink has been spiked with controlled substances such as GBH or Ketamine, commonly referred to as “roofies” or “date rape drugs.” The law was authored by California State Assemblymembers Josh Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, and Mike Gipson, D-Gardena.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: New California laws include iPhone repairs, hidden restaurant fees
