At the stroke of midnight, January 1, 2016, many new laws came into effect for the state of California. These laws impact the rules of the road, medical fields and pharmaceuticals, salaries, as well as privacy, and safety. With hundreds of new laws signed into effect by the 39th governor of California, Jerry Brown, it is important for all residents to become familiar with the rules and restrictions laid down on New Year’s.

Regarding the regulations released by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) many changes have taken place across the state. Senate Bill, SB, 491, Transportation Committee determines only one earbud, earplug, or other device that tampers hearing may be worn when operating a vehicle or bicycle. SB 491 will keep drivers from becoming distracted while on the road while also being able to hear surrounding sounds, such as a fire truck in the next lane. Exceptions are made for people occupying emergency equipment who may be wearing radios or similar devices to support their job. Additionally, construction workers are permitted to wear earplugs while operating vehicles, protecting their long term hearing. No longer to be seen in public spaces are motorized boards going over the speed of fifteen miles per hour on sidewalks or trails. Further acknowledging said boards, including “hoverboards” and electric skateboards, is Assembly Bill, AB, 604. After going into effect on New Year’s, this law forbade people under the age of sixteen to ride such boards. Certain attire is also required for riders, bike helmets are required and safety wear that increases visibility is required after sunset. These safety requirements come after the 2015 hype over such boards. Due to faulty chargers and low quality materials, reports of “hoverboard” fires and explosions became known, prompting the new laws.

January 1st also meant change in the medical world. Any prescribed medication is required to come with translated instructions and descriptions upon a patient’s request. This helps people who do not speak English as their mothertongue understand what medication they are taking, while also comprehending how to use said medicine. Another, somewhat controversial law, requires all students between the grades of Kindergarten and twelfth grade to be vaccinated. This law goes into effect on July 1st, 2016, just in time to start off the 2016-2017 school year. Unless determined by a medical professional, SB 277 prohibits religious or personal beliefs from being a reason for exemption of the vaccines. Without following this rule, students are not allowed to begin schooling. In addition to the vaccination of students, SB 792 requires all daycare providers to also become vaccinated. In a statement, Governor Brown states, “the science is clear that vaccines dramatically protect children against a number of infectious and dangerous diseases,” this reasoning is what spun the new law into action.

The governor also signed off AB 10 in 2013. This law has raised the minimum wage requirements across the state. With minimum wage previously being $9.00, California employees working for minimum wage have received an 11.1% increase in their salary. Now the minimum wage requirement is $10.00 per hour. If there is a new worker at a facility, they are required to be paid $10.00 per hour after their initial 160 hours of working which are considered “learning hours.” During the period of learning, an employee must receive at least 85% of set minimum wage. Additionally, there is no difference between the minimum wage requirement for minors and adults. Agreements between employees and employers will not waive requirements regarding minimum wage.

In order to avoid confusion among officials and residents, additional laws have been settled. SB 199 handles the issue of fake guns and their new requirements. Following multiple shootings involving a fake weapon and the confusion and misinterpretation of an officer last year, new guidelines have been set regarding fake weapons. The new law emphasizes the importance of visibility among play guns. Such toys are now required to have bright exteriors, fluorescent strips marking the noticeable parts on play weapons are also a necessity. These rules will prevent danger on the streets, as well as confusion between officers and the owners of such weapons.

Laws addressing privacy in California have also gone into full swing. Following the recent upbringing of smartphones in the past few years, issues involving privacy arose. Now that smartphones are the norm and exploits of information can be stored in a pocket, there needed to be a line drawn between one’s phone and the authority of a government official. The law which draws that line is SB 178. It requires all members of law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before searching phone content of a suspect. There are exceptions to this rule in emergency situations, as well as encounters with public safety.

Every January, new laws go into effect, and it is critical to stay posted on all new requirements in an area to avoid the drawbacks that come with breaking the rules.