Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of laws set to take effect in 2025, addressing a wide range of issues from workers’ rights to environmental recognition. In the entertainment industry, new protections aim to safeguard actors from unauthorized use of their likenesses by artificial intelligence. Studios must now obtain written agreements before creating AI-generated versions of actors’ images or voices, and a separate law prohibits AI recreations of deceased actors for 70 years. These measures seek to protect workers as the entertainment industry grapples with the challenges posed by advancing technologies.
In a bid to improve road safety, California’s “daylighting” law prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks or 15 feet of curb extensions. This law is expected to significantly enhance visibility at intersections for both drivers and pedestrians, particularly benefiting children and shorter individuals. The measure, which removes numerous parking spaces in cities like San Francisco, carries fines for violations and reflects the state’s efforts to prioritize pedestrian safety.
California has also taken a stand against censorship with the Freedom to Read Act, which prevents public libraries from banning books based on the subject matter, author, or audience identity. This law protects library workers from penalties if they refuse to remove books and ensures that diverse perspectives, including those of marginalized communities, remain accessible. It comes amid a broader national debate on book bans and censorship.
New California Laws for 2025 Tackle AI Protections, Safety, Education, and Equity Initiatives
To tackle retail theft, new laws grant law enforcement expanded powers, such as arresting suspects for thefts they did not witness and eliminating the requirement to prove a car was locked to press burglary charges. Retailers can now seek restraining orders against repeat offenders, and harsher penalties have been implemented for large-scale theft operations. These measures aim to address widespread public concern over organized retail crime.
Education and social reforms include new mandates for California schools to teach students about the historical treatment of Native Americans during significant historical periods. Cannabis lounges are now permitted to sell food, creating a model similar to Amsterdam’s cannabis cafes, and children featured in social media content are guaranteed financial protections similar to those for child actors. The state has also streamlined subscription cancellation processes to protect consumers from unwanted renewals.
Worker protections and healthcare access are being strengthened. Farmworkers will be entitled to paid sick leave during hazardous conditions caused by smoke, heat, or flooding, while large group health plans will be required to cover fertility treatments starting in mid-2025. These laws aim to improve working conditions and make essential healthcare services, like in vitro fertilization, more affordable for Californians.
California has outlawed legacy admissions in its colleges, ensuring that access to education is based on merit rather than familial connections or donations. The state also celebrated its natural heritage by designating the Dungeness crab as its official state crustacean, the banana slug as its state slug, and black abalone as its state seashell. These symbolic recognitions reflect the state’s commitment to honoring its biodiversity while advancing equity and inclusion across its institutions.
