Just about every year, new laws go into effect on the first of January. This year is not unlike the rest, as several laws have officially started as of Monday, New Year’s Day. The laws affect all different facets of life, some regarding the road, medical insurance, reproductive rights, and so much more. Some of these laws are a bit controversial and even faced backlash and attempts at shutting them down. But ultimately, these laws pushed through and made it to be fully effective in 2024 in California.
Increased Firearm Restrictions
This is one of the most controversial laws in recent California history. This law bans Californians from carrying firearms in a number of public places, being things like parks, stadiums, places of worship, and many more. It was passed by the state after the U.S. Supreme Court made a ruling that loosened restrictions for who can obtain a concealed carry permit. So, California passed this law to combat that, which led to the law being blocked for a period of time by federal judge Cormac Carney. Carney called the law “repugnant to the Second Amendment.” The hold was lifted which led to the effectiveness of the California law.
New Criminal Justice Related Laws
A number of new criminal justice related laws have gone into effect in the new year. California has now begun a pilot program in six different cities around the state in which they are testing out speeding cameras. Another law adds three years to a sentence that is sentenced for a charge of dealing more than one kilogram of fentanyl. Sex trafficking of a minor is now classified as a serious felony, which increases the punishment for the crime. Lastly, a new program, called “Ebony Alerts,” establishes a better alert system for missing Black youth and women from the ages of 12 to 25, one of the largest demographics to be reported missing, with little success of finding them.
Education
Further streamlines and progress is being approved and worked on that will allow college students that are undocumented to apply and qualify for state financial aid.
Health Care
These laws are some of the biggest and most important to go into effect this New Year. Undocumented immigrants who meet the requirements are now eligible for Medi-Cal. This applies to people of all ages. Women will now have coverage for birth control products, even without prescriptions or co-pays at in-network pharmacies, as private health insurance policies are now required to cover them. Additionally, out-of-pocket costs for vasectomies for men are banned for those with private insurance.
These are only a few of the new changes California is going through in 2024. Many more have already taken effect or will be soon.
