California 2026 Laws: Ban Plastic Bags, Impact Streaming, Regulate Chatbots

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California 2026 Laws: Ban Plastic Bags, Impact Streaming, Regulate Chatbots

Summary of New California Laws Effective in 2026

As California welcomes the new year, a series of significant laws will take effect, impacting consumers, health, AI, and various other sectors. This article highlights key legislation scheduled for implementation in 2026.

Consumer Protection Laws

Plastic Bag Ban (SB 1053): All plastic bags will be banned starting January 1, 2026. Consumers will need to use reusable bags or purchase recycled paper bags.
Food Delivery Platforms (AB 578): As of January 1, food delivery services must ensure full refunds for undelivered or incorrect orders, and provide human customer service.
Rental Vehicles (AB 1374): Vehicle rental companies must provide total cost estimates, including all applicable fees, starting in January 2026.

Food Safety and Regulations

Tortillas and Folic Acid (AB 1053): Beginning in January, corn tortillas must be fortified with folic acid to reduce birth defects.
Food Allergen Disclosure (SB 68): Restaurants must list major food allergens on their menus starting July 2026.

Health-related Legislation

Insulin Cost Caps (SB 40): Out-of-pocket costs for insulin will be limited to $35 per month for certain health plans.
CURL Act (SB 236): The use of harmful chemicals in hair relaxers will be banned.

Artificial Intelligence Regulations

AI Transparency Act (SB 942): Companies must disclose AI-generated content to consumers, with implementation set for August 2026.
AI Chatbots (SB 243): Operators must inform users, especially minors, when they are interacting with AI and prevent discussions of self-harm.

New Laws for Schools

Gender Neutral Bathrooms (SB 760): All public schools must have at least one all-gender restroom by July 2026.
Phone-Free Schools (AB 3216): Policies limiting smartphone use must be implemented in schools by July 2026.

Workplace Updates

Minimum Wage Increase: As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will rise to $16.90 per hour, with some cities having higher rates.
Gig Workers Rights (AB 1340): Gig workers will be allowed to unionize while retaining their independent contractor status.

Housing and Rental Regulations

Rental Dwellings (AB 628): Landlords must provide working stoves and refrigerators for rental units starting in 2026.
Tenant Protection (AB 246): Evictions are prohibited in cases of delayed federal Social Security payments.

Conclusion

These new laws effectuate significant changes across various sectors in California. From tightening regulations on consumer protections and AI usage to enhancing food safety and workplace rights, residents can expect a transformation in their everyday interactions starting in 2026. For ongoing updates, stay tuned to El-Balad.