California Laws Taking Effect in 2026: What You Need to Know

Consumer Protections

• 🛍️ Single-use plastic bags are being eliminated entirely in California; shoppers must bring reusable bags or use paper.
• 📞 For food delivery issues, companies must offer refunds and access to customer service if an order never arrives or is incorrect.
• 💸 Food delivery apps will be required to clearly display driver pay, including tips and bonuses.
• 📺 Streaming services will have new limits, with ads not allowed to play louder than the content.
• 🚗 At used car dealerships, dealers must disclose the full price, limit extra fees, and in some cases, allow returns within 3 days.

Workplace and Wage Changes

• 📈 The statewide minimum wage is increasing to nearly $17 per hour.
• 🤝 New laws limit contracts that require employees to repay training or relocation costs if they leave a job.
• 🏨 In Los Angeles, the minimum wage for hotel workers will rise to nearly $25 per hour.
• 🚨 In unincorporated LA County, hotels must provide panic buttons and enhanced safety protections for workers.

Housing and Pet Regulations

• 🏠 Rent-controlled units in the City of LA will face tighter limits on annual rent increases.
• 🍳 Statewide, landlords are now required to provide working refrigerators and stoves as part of a rental unit.
• 🐾 Declawing cats will be illegal statewide unless medically necessary.

Transportation Updates

• 🚗 Drivers can no longer use the diamond lane solo with an EV in California.