These new California laws go into effect July 1, 2025
The minimum wage is going up in a number of California cities July 1, 2025. (John Keeble/Getty Images)
Numerous new California laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom are set to go into effect July 1. One of them is a crackdown on crime rings operating on Amazon, and another recent change places further restrictions on handling your cellphone while driving. Here's a rundown of the laws that will impact the lives of California residents.
Minimum wage going up in many California cities
Numerous cities and counties across the state will see a minimum wage bump starting July 1. These increases lift the minimum wage above the statewide base of $16.50 an hour. In the Bay Area, San Francisco's minimum wage is now $19.18. Berkeley's is also now $19.18, Emeryville's is now $19.90, and Fremont's is $17.75. Elsewhere, workers in Alaska, Oregon and Washington, D.C., will see increases. Find other California municipalities' minimum wage changes at HRWatchdog.
Amazon must report sellers of stolen goods to police
As scams and stolen goods proliferate online, California politicians passed a bill in an attempt to curb illegal activity. Senate Bill 1144 requires online marketplaces, such as Amazon, to implement a policy for reporting stolen goods. If they are aware stolen goods are being sold to Californians on their platform, they must now tell local, regional or state law enforcement.
Third-party vendors are able to sell goods on Amazon, which means sometimes crime rings operate to provide stolen merchandise for the sellers. Last year, for example, a California woman pleaded guilty to running a theft ring that pilfered $8 million in beauty products from Sephora, Ulta and other cosmetics stores; the stolen items were sold on Amazon, prosecutors said.
Hands off your phone while driving
Although not part of the new slate of laws going into effect July 1, this is one recent change you might want to be aware of. In June, a California appeals court ruled that holding your cellphone for any reason while driving is considered distracted driving under the law. This includes using navigation apps or even simply looking at a map, phone in hand. In order to be compliant with the law - and avoid getting pulled over - your phone must be mounted.
Airbnb hosts have to disclose fees
California continues to target hidden and "junk" fees with a new law aimed at short-term rental services, such as Airbnb. Assembly Bill 2202 mandates short-term rentals "disclose any additional fees or charges that will be added to the total price to be paid," such as cleaning fees. In addition, if there are any penalties for guests who violate the terms of the lodging agreement, that must be disclosed upfront as well. Airbnb hosts who fail to disclose those fees could be penalized up to $10,000.
FILE: In this photo illustration, the logo of Airbnb Inc. is displayed on a smartphone screen, with the company's branding visible in the background, on April 26, 2025. (Cheng Xin/Getty Images)
Extended IVF coverage
The California IVF mandate requires most health insurance plans in the state to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including in-vitro fertilization. Senate Bill 729 includes large group plans (with over 100 employees) and also expands coverage to include LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents. California's mandate means the state will have one of most inclusive fertility coverage laws in the country.
Click to cancel subscriptions
It's about to become a lot easier to cancel online subscriptions in California. Thanks to Assembly Bill 2863, it will be illegal for companies to automatically renew your subscription without alerting you "in a clear and conspicuous manner" of the terms. Once your renewal comes up, the company will need to get your "express affirmative consent to the automatic renewal." The new click-to-cancel law applies only to subscriptions that are signed or renewed on or after July 1, 2025.
Starting July 1, certain California bars and clubs will need to provide patrons with drink lids, if they ask for one. (Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images)
Drink lids available at bars
In an effort to combat drink spiking, bars and nightclubs with a certain alcohol license must now provide lids to patrons who ask for one. The new law applies to venues with Type 48 licenses, which permit establishments to sell beer, wine and spirits without necessarily having food available as well. These venues must now keep a stock of drink lids to help protect patrons from having other people put foreign substances in their drinks. Establishments may charge a "reasonable amount" for the lids, so don't be surprised if you end up with a fee.
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