- Ethnic Studies Course For Public High Schools: Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 101, which adds a one-semester ethnic studies course to the state's high school curriculum. It will be a graduation requirement for public schools, starting with the 2029-30 academic year. Schools must also begin offering ethnic studies courses as an elective by the 2025-26 year.
- Extension For To-Go Alcohol Sales: Restaurants in California can continue to sell to-go cocktails as part of meal purchases until 2026. The legislation essentially extends the state's Department of Alcohol Beverage Control rules allowing restaurants to sell to-go booze. The California Restaurant Association supports the new law, saying it was a financial lifeline for many eateries throughout most of 2020. Senator Bill Dodd from Napa said making carry-out cocktails a permanent feature will help restaurants recover, protect jobs, and the economy.
- Removing Condom Without Consent: It is now against the law in California to remove a condom during sex without consent. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill explicitly outlawing what's called "stealthing." The law expands the civil definition of sexual battery and will allow victims to sue for punitive damages. Newsom said stealthing could expose victims to unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
- Free Menstrual Products In Public Schools: Governor Newsom has signed a bill into law allowing free access to menstrual products for all public schools and colleges. The new law also expands the service for grades 6 through 12, community colleges and CSU and UC services. The state has also recently repealed a tax for the same products which can cost women an estimated aggregate $20 million a year.
- Crackdown On Illegal Street Racing "Sideshows": The new law allows the suspension of a driver's license for up to six months if the suspect is caught doing "sideshows" or illegal street racing. This law is aimed at cutting down and deterring groups from the dangerous activities by upping the consequences. The law takes effect July 1st, 2025. The current state law prohibits vehicle exhibition speeding on highways or aiding or abetting in any type of street racing. A current conviction results in jail time for not more than 90 days, a fine of not more than $500 or both jail time and the fine.
- Single-Use Foodware Ban: A new law is in place that would leave the customers asking for ketchup packets. Governor Newsom signed AB 1276 which bans restaurants and food facilities from providing single-use foodware accessories or condiments, like forks or soy sauce packets, unless they are specifically requested by the customer. The law also allows third party delivery apps to list what accessories they offer and have the customer make the request ahead of time. Cities and counties have until June 1, 2022 to authorize an enforcement agency to enforce those requirements.
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