New California Laws With Many Changes Coming Your Way in 2022
Hundreds of California laws are taking effect in 2022 that will impact many people’s lives in different ways. From protecting protesters to a rise in the minimum wage, living space for pigs, and easing penalties for some crimes, the new laws will raise smiles in some while leaving others frowning. In the following, we will discuss some of the new changes.
Bacon Is an Important Issue in California Laws
While vegans and vegetarians will have no problem, restaurateurs and grocers are taking issue with the new standards for living space for pigs beginning on January 1. Lawsuits by industry opposing the new measure, which increases the size of holding pens for pigs, are being filed. Others are suing to try and delay the new law for two years. Critics believe that workers in the pork industry will lose jobs, and bacon may become more costly. Because pork can continue to be sold that was processed under the previous law, proponents believe this could avoid a price surge and any shortages.
Protection of Employees
Under the new California laws, it will be illegal in the state for warehouse retailers to fire their workers because of rest and bathroom breaks that make them miss their quotas. In addition, those working in the garment industry will now be paid by the hour. Secret settlements with employees with regard to discrimination claims will also now be barred.
Raising the Minimum Wage
On January 1, 2022, California businesses that employ 25 employees or less will be paying their workers $14 an hour. On January 1, 2023, that wage bumps up another dollar to $15. After that, wage increases will be based on inflation.
Changes in Penalties for Sideshows
Although one new traffic law doesn’t go into effect until 2025, it will impact some California drivers and perhaps increase the safety of other motorists, so it is important to mention. The new traffic law includes penalties for sideshows and related events, which endanger not only those who participate but others sharing the roadway.
Under California Vehicle Code 23109, a sideshow is defined as two or more people who impede or block highway traffic to race, perform stunts or drive recklessly so that spectators can watch. The new law that goes into effect July 1, 2025, allows the courts to suspend the participant’s driver’s license for 90 days to six months.
New Restrictions on Police
Among the number of new California laws that affect police include limiting the rubber bullets used against protesters. Another measure that could pave the way to decertify policemen with a troubled history is beginning to go into use. However, part of the law does not go into effect until the beginning of 2023.
A restraint hold that has caused deaths has been barred, and officers will be obligated to report or prevent excessive force. In addition, records of police misconduct will be made available to the public. The age of those who want to join the police force is raised to 21. Lastly, the attorney general must now investigate fatal shootings of unarmed civilians by police, even those where there is a question of whether the civilian was carrying a weapon.
Criminal Penalties
California has made an effort to ease up on criminal penalties to reduce the number of those who are incarcerated in the state. One important change ends the mandatory jail and prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenses, which allows judges to impose alternatives or probation.
In addition, people who are placed under arrest for a probation violation will be freed as long as the judge doesn’t determine them to be a flight risk or danger to public safety. Street gangs are included in the changes also since mitigating circumstances will be taken into consideration, and enhancements for certain previous drug crimes and repeat offenders will be retroactively removed.
Addressing Housing and the Homeless
Gov. Gavin Newsom approved several measures, including one that will sidestep zoning ordinances to allow rezoning for a maximum of 10 housing units near mass transit locations. In addition, cities are now required to approve a maximum of four housing units on a single lot. Some cities with objections to these new housing laws are trying to gather enough signatures to have it placed on a ballot to restore control to local communities, while others are passing ordinances to sidestep the measure before it goes into effect.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Although new laws are coming, maintaining roadway safety is essential for everyone. However, if a negligent driver injures you, it is necessary to seek legal insight. You are welcome to get in touch with us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to receive my free and friendly advice. We can also be contacted online.
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Since 1982, our team of injury lawyers has helped many residents of Northern California to get compensation for all types of car accidents and wrongful deaths.
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