California is the land of regulation. Another reason why businesses are leaving in droves. With the now insane maze of regulations affecting real estate and tenants, the willingness for developers to keep developing in the state diminishes more every year.
As of July 1, 2024, California has enacted several new laws aimed at enhancing consumer protection, tenant rights, and community welfare. Here’s a concise overview of the key legislation now in effect:
One significant change directly impacts renters across California. Landlords are now restricted from demanding a security deposit exceeding one month’s rent for any rental unit, whether furnished or not. This law, spearheaded by Assemblyman Matt Haney and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to alleviate financial pressures on tenants. However, exceptions are made for landlords who own no more than two properties, with each having no more than four units, allowing them to request up to two times the monthly rent. This move aligns California with approximately a dozen other states that have implemented similar caps on tenant security deposits.
Every new California laws in effect July 1 pic.twitter.com/b16WIDaZKA
— Patriot Pointman 🇺🇸 (@PatriotPointman) July 1, 2024
In a push for pricing transparency, businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, are now banned from adding undisclosed fees at the point of sale. This pertains to any charges beyond the listed price, excluding taxes and shipping. The new mandate ensures consumers see the true cost upfront, whether shopping in-person or online.
Another protective measure introduced involves the safety of individuals in bars and clubs. Establishments are now required to provide testing kits for detecting drugs commonly used in drink spiking, such as GHB. These kits must be offered either for free or for purchase, and failure to comply could result in actions against the establishment’s operating license. All establishments therefore will be raising their prices to pay for it all.
New California Laws: These new laws go into effect July 1, 2024 pic.twitter.com/ZebO69tSYK
— Patriot Pointman 🇺🇸 (@PatriotPointman) July 1, 2024
Addressing housing shortages, Senate Bill 4 facilitates the construction of affordable multi-family homes on properties owned by faith-based groups and non-profit colleges. By easing permitting processes and circumventing local zoning laws, this legislation could unlock potential housing developments across approximately 171,000 acres of underutilized land in California.
The state has also taken steps to bolster security and violence prevention. A notable law has increased taxes on firearms and ammunition, with the additional revenue earmarked for enhancing security measures in public schools and funding other anti-violence initiatives. In other words, California is doing all it can to hurt gun owners in this crazy Woke State.
New California laws taking effect today ban hidden fees, limit deposits to one month’s rent and double the fines for illegal fireworks.
Here’s what else is changing: https://t.co/xsQIKyb0h3 pic.twitter.com/hQuxZrOVzD
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) July 1, 2024
Additionally, California continues to make strides in consumer rights with new regulations that require manufacturers of electronics and appliances priced over $50 to provide repair tools, parts, and instructions for up to seven years after production. This law empowers consumers to maintain and extend the lifespan of their purchases effectively. This though drives away sellers who don’t want to pay the extra money needed for such dictates, which hurts all consumers as they pull back and stop selling to residents in the state. Either that or they will have to raise their prices further, which also destroys their profits as consumers look elsewhere.
In the realm of workplace safety, employers are now mandated to develop comprehensive violence response plans. These plans must cover a range of potential threats, from active shooters to aggressive interactions, and include detailed logging of all incidents and mandatory employee training. All of this must be passed onto the consumers since a business has to survive.
Education policies have also been updated. Public schools are prohibited from suspending students for minor behavioral issues from transitional kindergarten through the 12th grade, expanding on previous legislation that limited such suspensions. Furthermore, schools are required to provide free menstrual products in all female and all-gender restrooms, and at least one male restroom, extending a mandate that previously covered only grades six through twelve. This is the absolute insanity of California. As if there are actual males that need tampons, the lunacy of the Left is never ending.
Major Points
- California now limits security deposits to one month’s rent, with exceptions for small landlords.
- New laws ban undisclosed fees at the point of sale for businesses, ensuring price transparency.
- Bars and clubs must provide drug detection kits to help prevent drink spiking incidents.
- Senate Bill 4 enables faith-based institutions and non-profits to build affordable housing on their properties.
- Additional measures include increased taxes on firearms for school security funding and mandatory provision of menstrual products in schools.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News