As we approach 2025, California ushers in a transformative era marked by a surge of groundbreaking new laws. These legislative changes are set to reshape the Golden State’s social, economic, and environmental landscape, setting the stage for a future of progress and innovation. From groundbreaking healthcare initiatives to ambitious climate goals, the 2025 California laws promise to leave an enduring legacy on the state and its people.
One of the most significant changes coming in 2025 is the implementation of universal healthcare. The California Health for All Act aims to provide every resident with access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage regardless of their income or employment status. This landmark legislation is expected to dramatically reduce the number of uninsured Californians and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthier life. Additionally, the act includes provisions to expand mental health services and promote preventive care.
In the realm of climate action, California continues to lead the way. The Climate Commitment Act of 2025 sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. The law establishes a cap-and-trade system to incentivize businesses to reduce their emissions and invest in renewable energy sources. Moreover, it earmarks funding for clean energy research and development, transportation electrification, and wildfire prevention. By taking bold steps to address climate change, California is setting an example for other states and countries to follow.
AB 1: The California Clean Energy Act of 2025
AB 1, the California Clean Energy Act of 2025, is a landmark piece of legislation that aims to make California a leader in the fight against climate change. The Act sets ambitious goals for the state’s clean energy future, including requiring that 100% of electricity sold in the state come from renewable resources by 2025. AB 1 also includes provisions to promote energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in renewable energy research and development.
Key Provisions of AB 1
AB 1 includes a number of key provisions to help California achieve its clean energy goals. These provisions include:
- A requirement that 100% of electricity sold in the state come from renewable resources by 2025.
- A goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.
- A requirement that all new buildings be zero-net energy by 2030.
- A $2.5 billion investment in energy efficiency programs.
- A $1 billion investment in renewable energy research and development.
AB 2: The California Universal Healthcare Act
Universal Healthcare Coverage
AB 2 will establish a single-payer healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage to all state residents. Beginning in 2025, every Californian will be eligible for a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, preventive care, hospitalization, emergency care, and prescription drugs.
Financing and Administration
AB 2 will be funded through a progressive tax system that considers income, wealth, and corporate profits. The act establishes a Health Care Authority to administer the program and regulate healthcare providers. The authority will be responsible for setting reimbursement rates, negotiating drug prices, and ensuring quality of care.
Key Features of the Act
Coverage: Universal coverage for all state residents, regardless of age, income, or employment status.
Services: Comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, preventive care, hospitalization, emergency care, and prescription drugs.
Financing: Progressive tax system based on income, wealth, and corporate profits.
Administration: Health Care Authority to administer the program and regulate providers.
Table of Benefits:**
| Category |
|---|
| Primary care |
| Preventive care |
| Hospitalization |
| Emergency care |
| Prescription drugs |
AB 3: The California Fair Housing Act of 2025
General Overview
AB 3, known as the California Fair Housing Act of 2025, is a comprehensive law that seeks to address systemic housing discrimination and promote equity in California’s housing market. The law introduces a range of new provisions to strengthen existing fair housing laws and establish new protections for vulnerable populations.
Key Provisions
Expanded Protections for Tenants
AB 3 expands protections for tenants facing discrimination and harassment by landlords. It prohibits landlords from:
* Denying housing based on protected characteristics, such as race, religion, or familial status
* Harassing tenants with verbal or physical threats
* Evicting tenants without just cause or proper notice
* Charging excessive fees or deposits that discriminate against protected classes
Additionally, the law establishes a new “Tenant Protection Fund” to provide financial assistance to tenants who have experienced discrimination.
Increased Accountability for Discrimination
AB 3 strengthens enforcement mechanisms for fair housing violations. It gives the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) broader authority to investigate and prosecute discrimination cases. The law also allows private individuals to file lawsuits for fair housing violations, providing an additional avenue for seeking redress.
Data Collection and Analysis
To better understand and address patterns of housing discrimination, AB 3 requires certain housing providers to collect and report data on their tenants. This data will help identify areas where discrimination is most prevalent and inform policy decisions aimed at promoting equity.
| Protected Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|
| Race | African American, Asian, White, Hispanic |
| Religion | Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism |
| Familial Status | Having children, pregnant, caring for elderly parents |
AB 4: The California Climate Equity Act
Environmental Justice in Climate Legislation
AB 4, authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden, establishes the California Climate Equity Act, recognizing that environmental justice must be central to the state’s climate policies. This groundbreaking legislation aims to ensure that climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts prioritize the most vulnerable communities, including low-income communities, communities of color, and indigenous communities, who have historically been disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution and climate change.
AB 4 mandates that state agencies consider climate equity in all climate-related planning and decision-making processes. It requires the establishment of a Climate Equity Advisory Board to provide guidance on how to incorporate climate equity into state policies and programs. Additionally, the law earmarks 35% of all climate-related funding for projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Key Provisions of AB 4
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Climate Equity Advisory Board | Established to advise state agencies on climate equity |
| 35% Climate Equity Funding | Requires 35% of climate-related funding go to disadvantaged communities |
| Climate Equity Plan | Mandates state agencies develop climate equity plans |
| Require consideration of equity | Requires agencies to consider climate equity in all climate-related decision-making |
SB 1: The California Reproductive Health Access Act
This historic legislation seeks to expand access to reproductive healthcare and protect the rights of all Californians.
Section 5: Expanding Access to Reproductive Healthcare
To ensure equity in access to essential healthcare, SB 1 introduces several groundbreaking provisions:
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Expansion of Covered Services | Expands Medicaid coverage to include a wider range of reproductive health services, such as abortion, contraception, and sterilization. |
| Provider Training and Support | Establishes programs to train and support medical professionals in providing culturally competent reproductive healthcare. |
| Community Health Centers | Investments in community health centers to enhance their capacity to provide reproductive care to underserved communities. |
| Telehealth Services | Expands the use of telehealth technology to increase accessibility to reproductive healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. |
| Insurance Coverage Mandates | Requires all health insurance plans in California to cover reproductive health services without cost-sharing or prior authorization. |
These comprehensive measures aim to dismantle barriers to reproductive healthcare, empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions about their bodies and reproductive futures.
SB 2: The California Safe Communities Act
Purpose
To strengthen California’s immigration laws by aligning them with federal priorities and bolstering local law enforcement efforts.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using their resources to assist federal immigration officials in civil immigration enforcement actions.
- Limits cooperation between state and local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to serious crimes and public safety threats.
- Creates a confidential statewide system for reporting racial profiling incidents.
- Provides funding for legal services to immigrants facing deportation.
- Establishes a statewide network of community-based organizations to provide support and resources to immigrants.
- Requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report data on immigration-related arrests and detentions.
Data Collection and Reporting
SB 2 requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report data on immigration-related arrests and detentions, including the following information:
| Characteristic | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Race/ethnicity | Collected voluntarily |
| Age | Collected voluntarily |
| Gender | Collected voluntarily |
| Citizenship status | Self-reported by individual |
| Immigration status | Only if known through official documentation or admission |
| Reason for arrest | As required by existing law |
| Location of arrest | As required by existing law |
SB 3: The California Affordable Housing Act
7. Streamlining Project Approval
SB 3 includes several provisions aimed at streamlining the approval process for affordable housing projects:
**a. Ministerial Approval:**
For projects that meet certain criteria, such as size and density, approval can be granted ministerially, without a public hearing or discretionary review.
**b. Deemed Approvals:**
Cities and counties must approve applications within specified time frames or the projects will be deemed approved.
**c. ABAG Region:**
In the San Francisco Bay Area, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) will have authority to approve affordable housing projects that meet certain criteria.
**d. Moratorium Prohibition:**
Cities and counties are prohibited from imposing moratoriums on the approval of affordable housing projects.
**e. Appeals Period:**
The period for appealing approvals or denials of affordable housing projects has been shortened.
**f. State Preemption:**
SB 3 preempts local ordinances that restrict the development of affordable housing projects. These provisions are designed to reduce delays and barriers in the affordable housing development process.
| Provision | Effect |
|---|---|
| Ministerial Approval | Projects meeting criteria can be approved without public hearings or discretionary review. |
| Deemed Approvals | Applications must be approved within specified time frames or projects will be deemed approved. |
| ABAG Region Approval | ABAG can approve affordable housing projects that meet certain criteria in the San Francisco Bay Area. |
| Moratorium Prohibition | Cities and counties cannot impose moratoriums on affordable housing project approvals. |
| Appeals Period Shortened | Period for appealing approvals or denials of affordable housing projects has been reduced. |
| State Preemption | SB 3 preempts local ordinances that restrict affordable housing development. |
SB 4: The California Clean Air Act
8. Zero-Carbon Electricity
SB 4 sets ambitious goals for California’s electricity sector, requiring it to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. This mandate will be achieved through a combination of renewable energy generation, energy efficiency measures, and carbon capture and storage technologies.
The law also includes provisions to ensure that disadvantaged communities benefit from the transition to clean energy. These provisions require utilities to invest in clean energy projects in these communities and to provide ratepayer subsidies to reduce the cost of clean energy for low-income households.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is responsible for developing and implementing the regulations necessary to achieve the goals of SB 4. The CPUC has established a number of programs to support the transition to clean energy, including the Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program.
The RPS requires utilities to procure an increasing amount of their electricity from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal. The Cap-and-Trade Program limits the amount of greenhouse gases that utilities can emit and requires them to purchase allowances to cover their emissions. These programs have helped to drive investment in clean energy and reduce emissions from the electricity sector.
| Year | RPS Target (%) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 60 |
| 2030 | 80 |
| 2045 | 100 |
SB 4 is a landmark law that will help California achieve its clean energy goals. The law sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in clean energy, and ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy.
SB 5: The California School Reform Act
9. Student Assessment and Accountability
SB 5 makes significant changes to student assessment and accountability systems in California. The bill:
Requires the California Department of Education (CDE) to develop and implement a new assessment system for grades 3-8 and high school that is aligned with the new California State Standards.
Eliminates the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and replaces it with a new high school graduation assessment system that will be administered for the first time in the 2024-25 school year.
Creates a new accountability system for schools and school districts that will be based on a combination of student academic performance, suspension rates, and other factors.
Requires CDE to develop and implement a new system for identifying and supporting students who are at risk of not graduating from high school.
- Provision 1
- Provision 2
- Provision 3
- Provision 4
- Provision 5
SB 6: The California Tax Reform Act
1. General Overview
SB 6, also known as the California Tax Reform Act, introduces comprehensive changes to the state’s tax system, aimed at simplifying and modernizing the tax code while addressing the state’s revenue needs.
2. Changes to Personal Income Tax
SB 6 makes several adjustments to the personal income tax structure, including:
- Increasing the number of income tax brackets
- Raising the standard deduction
- Eliminating certain tax deductions and credits
3. Changes to Corporate Income Tax
SB 6 also modifies the corporate income tax system by:
- Lowering the corporate tax rate
- Introducing a new corporate tax structure based on “Pass-Through Entities”
- Expanding the California Net Operating Loss deduction
4. Sales and Use Tax Changes
SB 6 includes revisions to the sales and use tax, such as:
- Expanding the application of sales tax to certain services
- Establishing a new sales tax rate for certain infrastructure projects
- Implementing a streamlined sales and use tax system
5. Taxpayer Relief Measures
SB 6 includes various taxpayer relief measures, including:
- Providing tax credits for low- and middle-income families
- Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit
- Offering tax relief to seniors and individuals with disabilities
6. Effective Date
The provisions of SB 6 generally take effect on January 1, 2025.
7. Revenue Impact
SB 6 is estimated to generate approximately $10 billion in additional revenue for the state over the next five years.
8. Legislative Intent
The California legislature intended SB 6 to:
- Simplify the tax system
- Meet the state’s revenue needs
- Provide tax relief to certain groups
9. Implementation
The California Franchise Tax Board is responsible for implementing the provisions of SB 6.
10. Detailed Table of Changes
The following table provides a detailed overview of the changes introduced by SB 6:
| Provision | Change |
|---|---|
| Personal Income Tax Brackets | Increase from 6 to 8 brackets |
| Standard Deduction | Increase from $5,350 to $6,000 (single) and $10,700 to $12,000 (married) |
| Corporate Tax Rate | Decrease from 8.84% to 7.5% |
| Sales Tax on Services | Expand to include services such as legal, accounting, and consulting |
| Earned Income Tax Credit | Increase to 20% of the federal credit |
| Tax Relief for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities | Increase the property tax exemption and provide a new state income tax credit |
New California Laws 2025: An Overview
In 2025, California passed a number of new laws that have a significant impact on the state’s residents. These laws cover a wide range of topics, including housing, healthcare, education, and criminal justice. Here is a brief overview of some of the most important new laws.
Housing
One of the most significant new laws passed in 2025 is the Tenant Protection Act. This law makes it more difficult for landlords to evict tenants, and it also caps rent increases. The law is intended to help protect tenants from displacement and ensure that they have access to affordable housing.
Healthcare
In 2025, California also passed a number of new laws related to healthcare. One of the most important of these is the California Health for All Act. This law expands access to healthcare by creating a new state-run health insurance program. The program is designed to provide affordable coverage to all Californians, regardless of their income or employment status.
Education
In 2025, California passed a number of new laws related to education. One of the most significant of these is the California School Funding Reform Act. This law increases funding for public schools and makes it more equitable. The law is intended to help improve the quality of education for all students, regardless of their zip code.
Criminal Justice
In 2025, California passed a number of new laws related to criminal justice. One of the most significant of these is the California Fair Sentencing Act. This law reduces the penalties for certain nonviolent crimes, and it also makes it easier for people to get their criminal records expunged.
People Also Ask About New California Laws 2025
What are the most important new laws passed in California in 2025?
The most important new laws passed in California in 2025 include the Tenant Protection Act, the California Health for All Act, the California School Funding Reform Act, and the California Fair Sentencing Act.
How will the new laws affect me?
The new laws will affect you in a number of ways, depending on your circumstances. For example, if you are a tenant, the Tenant Protection Act will make it more difficult for your landlord to evict you and will also cap rent increases. If you are uninsured, the California Health for All Act will make it easier for you to get affordable health insurance.
Where can I find more information about the new laws?
You can find more information about the new laws on the website of the California State Legislature.
