With the new year brings new laws for California. We’ve highlighted a few important ones that will take effect starting January 1, 2012.
AB 144: Carrying an exposed and unloaded handgun in any public place will be a misdemeanor as of January 1, 2012.
AB 353: Officers may no longer impound a vehicle at a sobriety checkpoint if the driver’s only offense is not having his or her license.
AB 1601: As a result of a 2010 law going into effect January 1, 2012, courts may revoke an individual’s driver’s license for up to 10 years if he or she has three or more DUIs within a 10 year period.
AB 130: The first portion of the California DREAM Act is effective January 1, 2012. AB 130 allows qualified undocumented students currently attending a public institution of higher education in California for privately funded financial aid.
AB 22: Employers will no longer be able to use consumer credit reports in determining hiring or promoting an employee, with certain exceptions such as a managerial position that requires dealing with bank accounts.
AB 469: The Wage Theft Protection Act will create penalties to employers who willfully steal worker wages. Furthermore, at the time of hiring employers will be required to provide workers with a written notice of the pay rate and whether it is on an hourly or commission basis. Any changes must be provided within 7 days.
SB 929: Children up to 8 years old and under 4’9” will be required to use a child safety seat while riding in a car.
AB 183: Alcohol will be added to items that are prohibited from purchase at self-check out stands in supermarkets.
SB 514: The sale of any product containing dextromethorphan to a minor is prohibited.
The full list is available here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pdf/BillsEnactedReport2011.pdf
Scott Hughes is a Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Lawyer in Orange County, California practicing in both State and Federal Court.