A broad set of new California laws will begin taking effect in 2026, affecting schools, workplaces, consumers, public safety and other areas. Several immigration-related laws will also take effect, bringing changes to policies at schools, health care facilities and law enforcement agencies.
Below is a summary of key new laws and what they do.
Immigration-Related
SB 627 – “No Secret Police Act”
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: This law prohibits most federal and local law enforcement officers, including immigration enforcement agents, from wearing face coverings that conceal their identities during operations in California. Agencies must also adopt and publicly post policies limiting the use of masks by July 1, 2026.
SB-81 – Protecting Immigrant Patients’ Rights
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: Under this law, immigration enforcement officers cannot enter nonpublic areas of hospitals or medical facilities without a valid judicial warrant or court order. It also protects patient information by banning disclosure of a person’s immigration status or birthplace for immigration enforcement purposes.
AB-49 – Protecting Immigrant Children in Schools
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: Schools and educational staff may not allow immigration enforcement officers to enter nonpublic areas of campuses such as offices or classrooms unless the officers present a valid warrant or court order. School officials must request valid identification before granting access and are barred from sharing student or family information without legal authorization.
SB-98 – School Notification of Immigration Enforcement (SAFE Act)
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: Schools, community colleges and universities must notify parents, students, faculty and staff when immigration enforcement is present on campus. The law also strengthens protections by limiting enforcement access without a judicial warrant and requiring updated school safety plans to include procedures for alerting communities.
AB 419 – Related School Policy Updates
Update by March 1, 2026: Assembly Bill 419 requires local education agencies to post information about immigration enforcement actions and updated policies online in English and any additional languages required by the school. School districts must revise policies to reflect state guidance on protecting immigrant students and families.
Artificial Intelligence and Technology
SB 53 – Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: This law requires developers of advanced artificial intelligence systems to disclose basic information about how their systems are designed, trained and tested. Companies must also document safety measures and report serious incidents involving their AI systems.
AB 45 – Health and Location Data Privacy
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: The law strengthens privacy protections for sensitive health and precise location data. It limits how companies collect, share and sell this information and expands requirements to notify consumers if their data is exposed or misused.
AB 316 – Artificial Intelligence Defense
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: This measure sets oversight rules for the use of artificial intelligence in defense or security-related settings. It is intended to ensure AI systems used in sensitive government or public safety roles are reviewed before use.
AB 489 – Health Advice From Artificial Intelligence
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: Artificial intelligence systems that provide health-related advice must clearly state that the information is generated by AI and is not medical advice from a licensed professional.
AB 853 – Amendments to the California AI Transparency Act
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: This law updates earlier AI transparency requirements by adjusting timelines and clarifying reporting rules for companies covered by the law.
Employment and Worker Protection
AB 692 -Ban on “Stay-or-Pay” Contracts
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: The law bans employment agreements that require workers to repay training costs or fees if they leave a job. Employees may take legal action if employers violate the rule.
Consumer and Business Regulations
SB 1053 – Single-Use Carryout Bag Ban
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: Retailers will no longer be allowed to provide most plastic carryout bags at checkout. Stores will be limited to recycled paper bags that meet state standards and may charge a minimum fee.
AB 628 – Working Appliances in Rental Units
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: Landlords must provide a working stove and refrigerator in most rental units unless tenants agree in writing to supply their own appliances.
Public Safety and Legal Claims
AB 250 – Extended Eligibility Period for Certain Sexual Assault Claims
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: The law opens a limited window allowing survivors of sexual assault to file certain civil lawsuits that were previously barred because the statute of limitations had expired.
SB 805 – Prohibiting Impersonation of Law Enforcement
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: This law strengthens penalties for impersonating a law enforcement officer and requires officers performing enforcement duties to clearly identify themselves, meaning they must visibly display identifying information such as a badge, name, or agency affiliation so the public can readily tell they are legitimate law enforcement.
Environment and Corporate Reporting
SB 261 – Climate-Related Financial Risk Reporting
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: Certain companies will be required to prepare and publicly post reports detailing climate-related financial risks and how those risks are managed.
SB 446 – 30-Day Data Breach Notification
Effective Jan. 1, 2026: Companies must notify affected individuals within 30 days of discovering a data breach involving personal information.
