California’s 2026 Law Book: From Plastic Bags to Paychecks, What Changes for Residents

Hundreds of new California laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom are set to take effect in 2026, marking one of the broadest policy updates in recent years and touching daily life in ways both large and small. More than 800 bills passed by the Legislature last year address wages, consumer protections, housing standards, education access, civil rights, environmental rules, and emerging technologies, with many provisions taking effect at the start of the year and others rolling out later in 2026.

Among the most closely watched changes is the statewide minimum wage adjustment under Senate Bill 3, which raises the base wage to $16.90 per hour to reflect inflation. The salary threshold for exempt employees also rises to $70,304 annually. Some cities and counties already require higher minimum wages, and separate wage rules for fast food and health care workers remain above the statewide floor.

Worker protections are expanded in other ways as well. Senate Bill 648 strengthens enforcement against tip theft by authorizing the California Labor Commissioner to investigate complaints, issue citations, or pursue civil action when employers unlawfully withhold gratuities. For renters, Assembly Bill 628 requires landlords to provide and maintain working appliances, including heating and hot water systems, and ensures that stoves and refrigerators allow tenants to safely cook and store food. Recalled household items must be repaired or replaced within 30 days.

Several laws focus on consumer fairness. A major shift for shoppers comes with Senate Bill 1053, which eliminates all single-use plastic carryout bags at grocery and retail stores, including the thicker versions once marketed as reusable. Used-car buyers gain new protections under Senate Bill 766, which allows most purchasers or lessees to return a used vehicle within three days and requires additional dealer disclosures beginning October 1. Food delivery platforms must now issue full refunds, including tips and fees, when orders are incorrect or never arrive, and those refunds must go back to the original form of payment rather than app credits.

Health and safety measures also stand out. Senate Bill 40 caps insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply for Californians with private health insurance. Senate Bill 68 makes California the first state to require restaurants to list major food allergens directly on menus, a rule that takes effect in July. Another nutrition-focused law, Assembly Bill 1830, mandates folic acid fortification for most store-bought corn tortillas and masa products to help prevent neural tube defects, while exempting small producers.

In animal welfare, Assembly Bill 867 bans cat declawing statewide. Public safety laws include a new misdemeanor for possessing key-programming or signal-extending devices with intent to commit burglary, and a requirement that most law enforcement officers clearly display identifying information while on duty. Courts will also become more accessible, as electronic records must be publicly viewable and copyable at no cost using personal equipment.

Education and civil rights receive renewed attention with the creation of a state Office of Civil Rights to help schools address discrimination, including antisemitism, and with expanded legal representation for immigrant youth in proceedings. The Legislature also recognized Diwali as an official state holiday, allowing public schools and community colleges to close and state employees to take the day off when it is observed in November 2026.

Taken together, California’s 2026 laws reflect an ambitious attempt to fine-tune everyday systems—from how residents shop and work to how they rent homes, order food, and interact with technology—signaling a year of significant adjustment across the state.

Editor: Information is provided for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice; no representation or warranty is made as to accuracy or completeness