Several California laws are set to go into effect. These laws will impact workers, renters, businesses, and families across the state. Knowing what’s changing will help you stay informed and compliant. At KAASS LAW, we’re here to help you understand the legal updates and how they may affect your rights and responsibilities.
Key Employment California Laws Changes
AB 1228: Higher Wages for Fast Food Workers
Starting January 1, 2025, AB 1228 increases the minimum wage to $20 per hour for fast food workers. This applies to chains with 60 or more locations nationwide. The law also creates a Fast Food Council to recommend future wage increases and workplace standards.
This change aims to improve conditions in a large and often underpaid sector.
SB 497: Stronger Protection Against Retaliation
Under SB 497, workers gain stronger protections against employer retaliation. If an employer takes action within 90 days of a complaint, the law assumes retaliation unless proven otherwise. As a result, workers who report unsafe or unfair practices will now have more legal support. Read more about worker protections
Housing and Tenant Law Updates
AB 12: Security Deposit Limits
Effective July 1, 2025, landlords may only charge up to one month’s rent for a security deposit. This rule applies whether the rental is furnished or not. The goal is to ease the financial burden on renters, especially in high-cost areas. Expanding Consumer Privacy Rights
SB 362: The Delete Act
SB 362, also known as the Delete Act, gives residents the right to remove personal data from all registered data brokers with a single request. The California Privacy Protection Agency will manage the system.
Although the online system launches in 2026, the law becomes effective in January 2025. This step strengthens Californians’ control over their digital footprint. Learn more here.
Public Safety and Criminal Justice
SB 14: Reclassifying Child Sex Trafficking
Child sex trafficking receives serious felony status under the provisions of SB 14. Under the amended law, child sex trafficking qualifies as a strike, which reduces parole eligibility and extends prison terms according to the Three Strikes Law. The new legislation demonstrates California’s dedication to defending children while meting out severe consequences to traffickers.
Education and Inclusive Curriculum
AB 1078: Safeguarding School Content
AB 1078 prevents local school boards from removing lessons related to race, gender identity, or sexual orientation—unless approved by the state.
This law protects inclusive education and ensures that all students have access to diverse and accurate materials.
How These Laws May Affect You
The California laws shift influence to different spheres of life that involve income level and online privacy data availability. Higher wages will positively affect the earnings of fast food workers. The requirement for lower upfront costs makes moving residence easier for tenants.
Customers will gain increased abilities to manage their personal data privacy. Business owners who function as landlords or employers need to inspect their operational policies before January arrives. The effects of these laws must be understood by people to prevent both law-orientated issues and missed possibilities.
Empowering Consumers Through California Laws
Many new California laws, including SB 362, establish methods for consumers to gain control over their personal information. Residents gain the ability to request data deletion from all registered brokers through a single act using Delete Act implementation. SB 362 represents a key step for California’s ongoing mission to protect individual privacy rights and increase data transparency. Digital data has shifted its status from valuable to vulnerable, and thus, it is essential that we teach people to control their own digital information to achieve a transformative effect. People need to examine their data profiles and learn about their privacy rights through new legal standards that will protect them in both 2025 and future years.
Impact on Small Businesses and Landlords
New laws in California will cause direct consequences for both small business owners and property landlords. Property owners, together with small businesses, will experience changes because of emerging California laws. Under updated rent control regulations, property owners must change both lease documents and eviction procedures. Small enterprises need to adjust their operations according to new standards for consumer privacy rights combined with employment rules as well as digital regulatory compliance.
Noncompliance with new requirements could lead to legal and financial penalties. The year 2025 demands legal advice consultation for small business operators alongside landlords who need to perform policy audits. Knowledge of current legal modifications in 2025 today will help you avoid dealing with penalties and problems during the next year which will sustain your business success in this competitive regulatory framework.
Legal Guidance from KAASS LAW
Navigating California laws is easier when you have knowledgeable attorneys by your side. At KAASS LAW, we stay ahead of legislative changes so our clients don’t have to worry. Whether you’re dealing with a housing issue, employment dispute, or privacy concern, we can help. Contact us today for a consultation.
Final Thoughts
As these new laws take effect, being proactive is essential. By understanding the updates and seeking legal support when necessary, you can protect your interests and avoid penalties.
At KAASS LAW, we are committed to helping Californians respond to legal changes with confidence and clarity.