Dear readers: As this year comes to an end, I wanted to highlight some of the new laws we will have here in California in 2026. These new laws give you a sense of the diversity of laws that are enacted in our fair state.
Cat declawing: As of Jan. 1, cat owners are no longer allowed to have their cats declawed. California is the largest state to ban the procedure, which has involved amputating the first bone in each of a cat’s toes, or severing tendons to prevent claw extension. The exception to the ban is if the procedure is determined to be an actual medical necessity.
Plastic bags: In 2014, you may recall, California banned plastic grocery bags, but this did not apply to the thicker bag which can be reused more than 100 times. This exception was advocated by plastic and grocery lobbyists, but a bill signed into law in September by Gov. Gavin Newsom seeks to close that loophole. Plastic bags are to be phased out of California grocery stores, which will be allowed simply to distribute recycled carryout paper bags, available to customers at a minimum charge of 10 cents each.
Rentals and appliances: Commencing Jan. 1, landlords in California are required to include a working stove and refrigerator as part of a minimum hospitality standard for most rental units. These two appliances will become part of the list of items that make premises legally rentable. In addition, landlords are required to replace or repair an appliance that is subject to recall, within 30 days of notification. Note that the landlord and tenant can agree in writing that the tenant will provide a refrigerator, but the landlord cannot make this a condition of renting. There also are certain types of housing, such as permanent supportive housing, which are exempt.
Restricting ICE at schools: School officials will be prohibited from permitting agents or officers from immigration enforcement agencies to enter nonpublic areas of a school, without a valid judicial subpoena, court order or warrant. The school staff must, to the extent feasible, ask for identification before granting access, and may not disclose education information or records about students or their families without written consent or legal authority. District policies are to be updated to be consistent with these protections by March 1.
Quieter commercials: In October, the governor signed a bill that prohibits commercials from rising to a level that is louder than the primary video content being shown. “California is dialing down this inconvenience across streaming platforms, which had previously not been subject to commercial volume regulations passed by Congress in 2010.”
Minimum wages increases: Effective Jan. 1, California’s minimum wages will increase to $16.90 per hour from $16.50 in 2025. This increase is applicable to most workers. In addition, employers are to ensure that exempt, salaried employees earn at least twice the state’s minimum wage ($70,304 annual for full-time workers) to maintain exemption status.
Ron Sokol has been a practicing attorney for more than 40 years, and has also served many times as a judge pro tem, mediator, and arbitrator. It is important to keep in mind that this column presents a summary of the law, and is not to be treated or considered legal advice, let alone a substitute for actual consultation with a qualified professional.