Governor Gavin Newsom today announced key laws taking effect in 2026 that reflect California’s continued focus on public safety, affordability, transparency, and accountability.
The new laws lower prescription drug costs, increase oversight of large corporations, strengthen consumer and worker protections, and protect California’s diverse communities.
“California is proving once again that progress isn’t something we talk about, it’s something we build. While some in Washington remain stuck debating yesterday’s problems, we’re focused on delivering real solutions for today’s families.” Newsom said.
“These new laws reflect who we are: a state that protects workers, respects students, puts people before politics, and isn’t afraid to hold powerful interests accountable.”
New laws effective Jan 1:
SB 640: Establishes a California State University (CSU) direct admissions process by notifying eligible high school students of automatic admission to participating CSU campuses. It also requires California Community Colleges to create programs that will support a smoother transfer for community college students to a four-year university.
AB 1454: Provides educators and school leaders with greater access to the tools, training, and resources needed to help students become better readers.
AB 55: Ensures that licensure of alternative birth centers is more accessible to midwives in California by amending or deleting onerous and unnecessary requirements.
AB 798: Expands the state emergency food bank program to include diapers and wipes for families with young children.
SB 40: Beginning January 1, 2026, large state-related health insurers must cap insulin copays at $35 for a 20-day supply, improving affordability for Californians who rely on insulin.
AB 495: Strengthens protections for parents and children by helping families in emergencies, protecting family privacy, and preventing child facilities from collecting immigration-related information, especially if a parent is detained or separated.
AB 727: Requires that student ID cards issued by public middle and high schools, and public colleges/universities include a 24/7 hotline for the Trevor Project. The hotline provides crisis and suicide prevention support to LGBTQ youth. It ensures state education agencies publish and maintain resources for students who face discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
To read more about the new laws going into effect, visit www.gov.ca.gov
