Now that the Holidays are over, and most people are back to work we can take a moment to peruse the new laws enacted by the California Legislature. Like any other year, there are some laws where one wonders, did we really need a law for this? Others, you will be convinced there were already laws on the books for the exact issue. Below is short summary of a select few of the more pertinent laws taking effect on January 1st, 2019:

AB3129- 

Creates a lifetime ban on gun ownership for anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence after January 1, 2019. This is not retroactive to prior misdemeanor convictions. 

AB2103- 

Requires anyone seeking to obtain a carry concealed weapon permit (CCW) to undergo a minimum of 8 hours of training on firearm safety, handling, and firearm technique. The applicant must also demonstrate how to safely handle and shoot a firearm and perform a life-fire shooting exercise. 

AB748- 

Requires the release of body-worn cameras within 45 days of an incident if officers fired shots or if a use-of-force causes death or great bodily harm. (effective July 1, 2019). 

SB1421- 

Investigations of police officers of use-of-force, sexual assault and untruthfulness while on duty are now open to the public. 

AB3109- 

The law will now invalidate any provision in a contract or settlement agreement that waives a person's right to testify in a legal proceeding concerning alleged criminal conduct or sexual harassment. 

AB2770- 

Allows previous employers to inform a prospective employer if they would rehire the former employee and whether the applicant received a credible accusation of sexual harassment. 

SB826- 

Requires public California companies to have at least one woman on their board of directors by the end of 2019. The number of mandatory woman directors increase with the number of directors. 

SB946- 

Prohibits local governments from banning street vendors from selling food or other products. Instead, the local governments will be required to set up a licensing system if they want to limit the practice. 

AB1871

Beginning next school year, charter schools will be required to provide low-income students with one nutritious meal per each school day. 

AB1755

Hit-and-run laws will be expanded to include bicyclists. This means, if a bicyclist hits a person, resulting in a death or injury, the bicyclist must stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives. 

SB1046

Drivers who have been convicted of two DUI's (driving under the influence) will have to install breathalyzers or ignition interlock devices, in order to start their vehicles. 

SB10

The end of cash bail. Beginning in October 2019, instead of putting up money to obtain release from jail, people charged with a felony will go through a pre-trial risk assessment to determine if they can be released. 

AB216

Starting next year, election official must include a prepaid return envelope with delivering vote-by-mail ballots. 

SB1448

Starting in July, doctors will have to inform patients that they or on probation before they can offer treatment. 

RAXTER LAW

Jeremiah Raxter, Esq 

27851 Bradley Rd, Ste 145

Menifee, Ca 92586

951-226-5294

www.raxterlaw.com