JTFMax Califonia New Laws 2023:

If you're a Californian, you may wonder about the hundreds of new laws set to take effect in January 2023. Many of these laws will increase the state's minimum wage, legalize jaywalking, and make it easier for farmworkers to unionize. But some controversial laws have made headlines. Here are a few that will affect California residents in the coming year.

For example, the state has created a "CARE" court to provide court-ordered mental health services to severely mentally ill unhoused people. This system will operate in six California counties starting in October. It will be led by a "sex assault evidence outreach coordinator" who will work with medical facilities and law enforcement agencies to improve sexual assault victim services.

Retention of rape kits

Rape kits are essential because they can provide biological evidence to help law enforcement investigate an assault. Some examples include a victim's DNA, bite marks, and fingernail scrapings. While they can help the prosecution, they can also serve as a deterrent for sexual assault survivors who might otherwise avoid reporting the crime. The CNN investigation into the destruction of rape kits was an eye-opener. It found that nearly two dozen law enforcement departments across the country had destroyed hundreds of rape kits in the past three years without even considering the possible merits.

The new law also protects pregnant women from being prosecuted for choosing an abortion. In addition, qualified nurse practitioners can now perform first-trimester abortions in the state without supervision. New laws also protect reproductive justice. Women who help someone terminate a pregnancy will no longer be liable for criminal offenses. They will also receive free medical exams if they are victims of domestic violence.

Catalytic converters

California's new year brings new laws aimed at reducing the number of catalytic converter thefts. The new rules come with fines for violations. They are also designed to prevent the illegal trade of stolen devices. One of the most notable laws, AB 1740, is a California bill that makes the record-keeping of catalytic converter transactions more critical. The law requires recyclers to record certain information, including the car's make, model, and year.

Criminal records

In January 2023, the California Department of Justice will begin reviewing records for eligible criminals. This will start with people who have served time in jail. The new law is designed to remove the stigma associated with a criminal record, making it easier for people to find employment and housing. In addition, if signed into law, California Senate Bill 731 will make it possible to clear a person's record automatically. Automatic record clearing is a significant step forward for those who have had a criminal conviction.

DMV license plates

A new law in California will require all drivers to install digital license plates. The state has long been piloting the technology, and now it's available for all 36 million vehicles registered there. It's a small step toward improving public safety on the state's roadways. It's a 6-by-12-inch tablet mounted to the rear of your vehicle that displays a sequence of numbers or letters when operating. The device also includes a built-in location tracker.

OmniBike bill This new law makes four substantial changes to the vehicle code, requiring vehicles to move to an adjacent lane to pass bicyclists. It also prohibits cities from requiring bicycle licenses and vehicles to maintain a three-foot separation between bikes and the road.

Fast food workers

The California legislature has recently passed several important bills that affect workers. Among them is a new law that would give fast food workers more power. This legislation is also expected to increase wages and improve workers' health. SB 1162 will require employers to post salary ranges in job postings. The law will apply to businesses with more than 100 employees and require companies to submit pay data to the state. In addition, it will create a presumption of unlawful discrimination. Assembly Bill 257 will authorize a state council to bargain for workers in the fast food industry. It will also allow for the creation of local fast-food councils. These groups will set standards for the industry and work to protect employees' rights. A fast food council will include representatives from the Department of Industrial Relations, the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, and the food industry.

Minimum wage

AB 257 will also authorize the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act. Previously, the only way to organize a union was to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement on a location-by-location basis. However, the fast food industry has been plagued by high rates of violations. As a result, the new bill will increase the minimum wage and make it easier to organize a union. The minimum wage will be $15.50 per hour for all businesses, regardless of the number of workers.

California is a "sanctuary state" for transgender people. The legislation is designed to shield transgender individuals from legal action while providing them with health care. In addition, it includes a provision that protects transgender individuals from being charged for failure to use the bathroom of their choice.

Fur ban

Another controversial bill is a law banning the sale of new animal fur. However, the ban has several exceptions, such as religious and tribal purposes. Also, the legislation has a clause that exempts used fur products, including leather and cowhides.

Pedestrian stops

Jaywalking is illegal in many states, and California is no exception. Black pedestrians in the state are four and a half times more likely than whites to be stopped for jaywalking. The number of citations to pedestrians is also disproportionately high, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. Since the emergence of cars, many state and local governments have passed laws to control jaywalking. These rules have often been interpreted and enforced arbitrarily. This has led to confrontations between police officers and pedestrians of color.

Feather Alert

Some measures aim to expand the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to catch hit-and-run suspects. Others will improve the state's traffic laws to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians. California already has a statewide Amber Alert program that was launched in 2002. The state is also considering a new law to create a statewide "Feather Alert" program to help families find their missing Native American relatives.