California New Laws 2026: What Changes January 1
From plastic bag bans to phone-free schools, here's a straightforward guide to the major changes coming to California and Los Angeles this year
As we head into 2026, California and Los Angeles are implementing a wide range of new laws—from a total ban on plastic shopping bags to new protections for gig economy customers and renters.
Here is a simple, direct rundown of the major changes coming your way this year.
Statewide California Laws
Consumer & Retail
Total Plastic Bag Ban (SB 1053): The “reusable” thick plastic bags you see at checkout are now banned. Grocery and retail stores can only offer recycled paper bags (for a minimum 10-cent fee) or sell truly reusable cloth bags.
Used Car Return Window (SB 766): If you buy a used car for under $50,000, you now have a three-day window to return it for a full refund. Dealers must also disclose all costs upfront and are barred from “junk fee” add-ons.
Food Delivery Refunds (AB 578): Apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash are now required to provide full cash refunds (to your original payment method) for missing or incorrect orders, rather than just app credit. They must also provide access to a human customer service agent if their automated systems fail.
AI Disclosure (SB 243): Companies using AI-powered chatbots must clearly disclose that you are interacting with a bot and not a human.
Health & Lifestyle
Insulin Cost Cap: For Californians on private health plans, the copay for a 30-day supply of insulin is now capped at $35.
Cat Declawing Ban (AB 867): It is now illegal for veterinarians to declaw cats unless the procedure is medically necessary to treat an injury or illness. Declawing for the sake of furniture protection is prohibited.
Tortilla Fortification: Most commercially sold corn tortillas in California must now be fortified with folic acid to help reduce the risk of birth defects.
Workplace & Money
Minimum Wage Increase: The statewide minimum wage rises to $16.90 per hour for all employers. The minimum salary for exempt (salaried) employees increases to $70,304 annually.
“Stay or Pay” Ban (AB 692): Employers are generally prohibited from forcing workers to repay training or relocation costs if they leave their jobs.
Overdraft Fee Cap (SB 1075): Credit unions are now barred from charging more than $14 for an overdraft or non-sufficient funds fee.
Education & Parenting
Phone-Free Schools (AB 3216): By July 2026, every K-12 school district must adopt a policy to limit or prohibit student smartphone use on campus during school hours.
New State Holiday: California will officially observe Diwali as a state holiday for the first time. In 2026, it will be observed on Monday, November 9.
Los Angeles Specifics
Appliance Mandate (AB 628): Landlords in LA and across the state must now provide a working refrigerator and stove in all new rental units. In the City of Los Angeles, tenants can file complaints with the Housing Department if these aren’t provided.
Hotel Worker Pay: The minimum wage for hotel workers within the City of Los Angeles increases to $25.00 per hour.
Rent Control Caps: The City of Los Angeles has implemented tighter annual limits on rent increases for units covered under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO).
Panic Buttons: In unincorporated areas of LA County, hotels are now required to provide workers with “panic buttons” and other enhanced safety protections.
Key Dates to Remember
January 1: Most laws listed above take effect.
April 24: Observation of the new Genocide Remembrance Day holiday.
July 1: Deadline for school districts to implement cell phone policies.
October 1: Specific start date for new used-car return rights.
Know a friend or family member in California who should read this? Share it with them so they’re prepared for the changes ahead.