New laws coming to California in 2026
By Contributed Article · Wed Jan 07 2026
Consumer protections, housing, employment, health, education, safety, and even tortillas addressed
By Judy Abel
Special to Paso Robles Press
CALIFORNIA — Californians will ring in 2026 under a wide-ranging slate of new state laws that affect daily life in both visible and subtle ways — from how food is delivered and tenants are protected, to insulin prices, labor enforcement, public safety, and even what qualifies as a reusable grocery bag. Passed during the 2025 legislative session, the laws reflect ongoing efforts to address affordability, consumer protections, housing shortages, and health disparities.
One of the most notable changes is already taking place at grocery stores. California’s long-running effort to reduce plastic waste will take another step forward with Senate Bill 1053, which closes a loophole that allowed thicker plastic bags to be labeled “reusable” at checkout. Those bags will no longer be permitted, effectively eliminating plastic bags altogether in most retail settings. Environmental advocates argue the thicker bags were often discarded after a single use, undermining the intent of the original ban.
Food delivery customers will see major changes under Assembly Bill 578, which expands consumer rights when orders go wrong. Delivery platforms will now be required to issue full refunds — not just app credits — for late, missing, or incorrect orders. The law also mandates access to real human customer support, clearer breakdowns of fees at checkout, and ensures that customer tips do not replace a delivery worker’s base pay. Lawmakers say the measure responds to widespread complaints about opaque fees and limited accountability in the app-based delivery economy.
Separately, new consumer protections will govern how AI chatbots interact with Californians, requiring clearer disclosures and safeguards when automated systems are used for customer service or decision-making. The legislation aims to prevent deception and confusion as businesses increasingly deploy artificial intelligence in consumer-facing roles.
Several new laws target tenant protections in California. Assembly Bill 628 requires landlords entering into new rental agreements to provide working stoves and refrigerators. If an appliance has been recalled or becomes inoperable, landlords must repair or replace it. The law codifies what tenant advocates say many renters already assume — that basic kitchen appliances are part of habitable housing.
California’s minimum wage will rise again in 2026, reaching $16.90 per hour statewide, continuing a multi-year trend of incremental increases.
Changes to the Cal-WARN Act will require employers conducting mass layoffs or large closures to provide more detailed notices, including information about CalFresh food assistance and other available benefits. The goal is to better connect displaced workers with resources during sudden job losses.
In addition, the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) will receive expanded authority to enforce labor laws, strengthening the state’s ability to investigate violations and penalize employers who fail to comply.
One of the most significant health-related laws caps the cost of insulin at $35 per month for many Californians. Senate Bill 40 also authorizes the state’s CalRX program to offer state-branded insulin, aiming to increase competition and drive down prices in a market long criticized for skyrocketing costs.
Animal welfare is also addressed. Beginning in 2026, declawing cats will be illegal in California, except when medically necessary to treat illness or injury. The procedure, often performed to prevent furniture damage, involves amputating the last bone of each toe. Supporters of the ban cite evidence of chronic pain and behavioral problems in declawed cats. The practice is already banned in much of Europe and several other countries.
A notable change in civil justice comes with Assembly Bill 250, which creates a two-year window from 2026 to 2027 allowing survivors of sexual assault to revive previously expired civil claims. Lawmakers say the measure recognizes the long-term trauma that can delay reporting and legal action.
Human trafficking laws are also strengthened. Under Assembly Bill 379, adults who purchase sex from minors will face felony charges, while loitering with intent to buy someone for sex becomes a misdemeanor. Advocates say the changes focus enforcement on buyers rather than victims.
High-achieving California high school students will gain a new pathway to higher education under changes to California State University admissions. Qualified students will be automatically admitted to a CSU campus, though they must still submit an application to receive formal acceptance.
California is also adding to its roster of official state symbols. The giant garter snake becomes the state snake, while the bigberry manzanita is designated the state shrub — symbolic nods to the state’s biodiversity.
Looking ahead to July 1, 2026, Senate Bill 79 authorizes taller apartment buildings near major transit stops, a move designed to increase housing density and reduce car dependency.
And finally: The Tortilla Law
Among the most quietly impactful new laws is one affecting a staple food in millions of households. Beginning in 2026, most commercially sold corn masa flour and corn tortillas in California will be required to be fortified with folic acid, a B vitamin known to reduce the risk of severe birth defects during pregnancy.
Corn masa products, widely consumed in Latino communities, were historically exempt from federal folic acid fortification rules that apply to wheat flour. State health officials estimate the change could prevent dozens of serious birth defects each year. The law includes exemptions for certain small producers and fresh masa made on-site.