Politics & Government

5 New California Laws That Take Effect In 2018

California passes hundreds of new laws each year. Here are just five you should know about in 2018.

CALIFORNIA -- It's no secret that recreational marijuana will soon become legal in California. But what about the state's other new laws? With more than 39 million people and a diverse environment, the Golden State passes hundreds of new laws each year. Here are just five you should know about in 2018.

More Time Off For New Parents

Planning to welcome a new child in 2018? If your employer has more than 20 employees, it will be required to give you up to 12 weeks of parental leave to bond with your new child. Employees can use any accrued vacation time, sick time or any other paid-time off to spend time with their new child. The law, authored by state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, applies to employees who have worked for more than 12 months with their employers. It takes effect Jan. 1.

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Buckle Up Bus Passengers

If you take a commercial bus like a Greyhound, you'll have to buckle up starting July 2018. Senate Bill 20 by state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, requires passengers and drivers to wear seat belts. Anyone who violates this law will be forced to pay a $20 fine. If you violate the law more than once, you'll pay $50.

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No Questions On Prior Salary

Don't want to tell a potential employer about your past salaries? Beginning on Jan. 1, you won't have to. Assembly Bill 168 authored by Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, D-Stockton, prohibits employers from asking a job applicant about his or her past salary, which also means employers cannot use one's salary history to determine the salary it will offer to a potential employee. Supporters of the bill hope it will close the gender pay gap.

'Ban The Box' Criminal History On Applications

Here's another new law for employers. Beginning Jan. 1, employers will be banned from considering one's criminal history until employment is offered. Assembly Bill 1008 authored by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty,

Ammunition Sales

Starting Jan. 1, all ammunition purchases in California must be made in person through a vendor licensed by the Department of Justice. The law also applies to any transfers of ammunition. Gun owners will also be prohibited from importing ammunition from outside the state without it going through a licensed vendor in California first.


Watch Now: 5 New California Laws That Take Effect In 2018


--Photo via Pixabay/User Naeimasgary


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