New laws to take effect 7/1
Legislation starting next month impacts marijuana rules, wages and policy for firearms
Next month, California residents can expect to see a few changes in laws governing marijuana, guns and pay restrictions.
Minimum wages are set to increase at varying rates in California come July 1. Santa Clarita is not among them, but other cities and regions will see increases. For Los Angeles County’s unincorporated areas, businesses with 26 or more employees will pay a minimum of $13.25 per hour, instead of the old rate of $12. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees will pay a $12 minimum wage, instead of $10.50.
The increase is triggered by a new state law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in April 2016 requiring minimum wages to increase yearly, starting that year, until the statewide minimum wage hits $15 in 2023.
Gun enthusiasts throughout California also have until July 1 to register any firearm that could be classified as an “assault weapon” with the Department of Justice, or modify them so they are no longer deemed assault weapons.
California auto-renewal law will also change July 1. Now, there will be additional protections for consumers if an auto-renewal offer includes a free promotional gift, trial or price change after the promotion ends. It also requires consumers have the ability to opt out online if they accept the offer online. The provision prohibits requiring cancellation by phone or mail.
Cannabis businesses in California must also make sure their goods meet current state Public Health Department regulations, such as how many milligrams of THC can be found in a single serving.
The transition period from Jan. 1 of this year to June 30 was to allow for businesses to sell off anything in their inventory that didn’t meet regulations. The period ends by July 1, when businesses selling marijuana that is noncompliant will have to destroy it.
By July 1, California “lodging establishments,” such as hotels, motels, resorts and bed and breakfasts, will have to maintain a “musculoskeletal injury prevention program,” that addresses workplace hazards and risk factors specific to housekeepers.