By Brandon Patterson

In 2024, a total of 16 new laws will go into effect in California – passed this year and in years past – with some taking effect on January 1 and others later in the year. Of those laws, namely dealing with employment and economic justice, housing, and guns – may have important implications for Black Californians. Here is a summary of five new laws that Black residents could pay attention to.

Minimum wages for fast food and healthcare workers: Hundreds of thousands of employees at all healthcare facilities across the state will start earning a minimum of $21/hour starting June 1, with employees at some facilities paid more depending on various factors. Large healthcare systems and dialysis clinics with more than 10,000 full-time employees will have to pay workers $23/hour, for example, with increases to $24 and $25 in 2025 and 2026. Meanwhile, the minimum wage for fast food workers will increase to $20/hour starting in April and increase by up to 3.5% annually through 2029.

More paid sick leave: A new law ensures that California workers will accrue paid sick time earlier in their employment tenure after starting a new job. The law requires that employers give their employees no less than 24 hours or three days of paid sick leave within about four months of their start date and no less than 40 hours or five days within about seven months of their start date.

Job protections for cannabis users: A law originally passed in 2022 and taking effect on January 1, 2024, will make it illegal for employers to discriminate against or penalize employees for legal cannabis use while off the job, though workers can still be penalized for coming to work high. That law also requires employers who choose to drug test only to use tests that detect THC – the active compound in cannabis — versus inactive compounds that can remain in one’s system for weeks or even months after use. A second law will prevent employers from asking job applicants about past cannabis use in most circumstances.

Cap on security deposits: Under AB12, which takes effect on July 1, 2024, property owners will only be allowed to charge tenants up to the equivalent of one month’s rent as a security deposit, reducing what can be a major obstacle for many renters. Security deposits can equal up to two months’ rent for unfurnished units and three months for furnished units.

Concealed carry: SB 42, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, would raise the age at which residents can carry a concealed weapon from 18 to 21 and prohibit their carry in “sensitive places” like schools, parks, playgrounds, and banks. The law was passed in response to a Supreme Court ruling that struck down a New York law that required people to show a particular need for self-defense to carry a concealed weapon. California previously enforced a similar law. A lawsuit challenging SB 42 and asking a court to block the law from taking effect is currently pending before a federal judge in Santa Ana. The lawsuit could impact the law’s implementation.

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