New year, new laws for state

Changes set for vaccine exemptions, health care

Each new year brings a slew of new laws for Californians to navigate.

Here’s what changes starting Wednesday, unless otherwise specified in the law.

Vaccine exemptions

Doctors will have a new standardized form to fill out when a parent seeks a vaccine exemption for their child. Additionally, parents will have through 2021 to mail existing exemptions to state officials. Doctors who write five or more exemptions after Jan. 1, 2020, will be subject to review as will schools that have vaccination rates lower than 95%. There are more than a dozen such schools in Humboldt County that could be subject to review, according to 201819 data.

Health insurance

The individual mandate is back. California residents will be required to have health insurance in the new year. The rule is similar to the one initually part of the Affordable Care Act, but this is a state level requirement. There is a bit of a grace period when it comes to the penalties for failing to have a health plan — those won’t be assessed until after taxes are paid in April 2021.

Public safety power shutoffs

Utility companies such as Pacific Gas and Electric Co. will be required to create plans that mitigate the effects of imposed power outages on those with disabilities that require special energy needs. Companies will be able to provide backup resources and financial assistance.

School lunches

Students who have unpaid lunch bills can no longer be shamed under a new state law. The law mandates that some sort of alternative meal be offered to kids who can’t afford lunch. In Humboldt County, there are several schools that offer free lunches to all students because of a high population of low-income families.

Landlords will be prevented from raising rent by more than 5% plus the cost of inflation under a new law. Areas where there are stricter rent control measures in place will continue to operate under those rules.

Police deadly force

Law enforcement will be restricted to using deadly force only when “necessary in defense of human life,” under a new state law. Previously, if police stated there was “reasonable fear” for ones life, deadly force could be used — that is no longer the case.

Smoking

It will be illegal to smoke at state parks and beaches.

The state will also allow for violators to face a $25 fine.

Child sex abuse

Victims of childhood sexual abuse will have an additional 14 years to report the crimes of their abusers. The new law extends the cutoff age from 26 to 40 for the individual to report the crimes.

Circus

Domesticated dogs, cats and horses will be the only animals allowed to perform in circuses in California. Don’t expect to see lions, tigers or bears.

Beer

A new state law redefines beer to include beverages fermented from honey, fruit and herbs. This allows hard ciders to be classified as beers.