Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Licensing
California is a 'shall-issue' state following the Bruen decision, but maintains strict training, background check, and interview requirements for a CCW permit.
California
Laws available for this jurisdiction in plain English.
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California Paid Rest Period Law
Employers must provide a paid 10-minute rest period for every 4 hours worked or major fraction thereof.
Sensitive Places Restriction (SB 2)
SB 2 designates numerous public and private locations as 'sensitive places' where carrying a firearm is prohibited, even for CCW holders (Note: Parts currently subject to litigation).
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) / CPRA
The most comprehensive data privacy law in the US, granting residents control over their personal information and how businesses collect and share it.
California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)
Requires commercial websites and online services to post a conspicuous privacy policy if they collect personally identifiable information from Californians.
Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA)
Protects the privacy of medical information in California, covering healthcare providers, employers, and even health-related apps.
California Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA)
Regulates direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies like 23andMe, requiring clear consent and security measures.
California Penal Code Section 632
California is a two-party (all-party) consent state, making it illegal to record confidential communications without the consent of everyone involved.
California Silenced No More Act (SB 331)
Restricts the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in settlements involving harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on any protected category.
California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Expands federal FDCPA protections to include original creditors, not just third-party agencies.
Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) Regulations
Prohibits the sale of new gas-powered small engines (under 25 hp) commonly used in landscaping, such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers, forcing businesses to transition to zero-emission equipment.
Hazardous Waste Control Law (CUPA Requirements)
Requires small businesses that generate hazardous waste (e.g., auto shops, dry cleaners) to register with a CUPA, obtain an ID number, and follow strict storage and labeling rules.
No-Fault Divorce based on Irreconcilable Differences
California law allows for divorce without assigning blame, requiring only "irreconcilable differences" that have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage.
Child Custody Decisions Based on the Child's Best Interest
California courts prioritize the child's health, safety, and welfare when making child custody and visitation orders, applying the "best interest of the child" standard.
Equal Division of Community Property
In a California divorce, community property and community debt acquired during marriage are generally divided equally (50/50) between spouses.
Statewide Uniform Child Support Guideline
California uses a complex statewide guideline formula to calculate child support, primarily based on parents' incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the children.
Self-Defense and No Duty to Retreat
California does not have a 'Stand Your Ground' statute, but state jury instructions and case law establish that a person has no duty to retreat if they are resisting a forcible and atrocious crime.
Shine the Light Law
Requires businesses to disclose what personal information they share with third parties for direct marketing purposes.
Issuance of Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
The Domestic Violence Prevention Act provides a mechanism for victims of domestic violence to obtain protective orders from the court, prohibiting abuse and requiring the abuser to stay away.
California Meal Period Law (5+ hours)
Employers must provide an uninterrupted 30-minute unpaid meal period for employees working more than 5 hours.
California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) - Just Cause Eviction
Landlords must have a 'just cause' to evict tenants who have lived in a unit for 12 months or more.
Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA)
Prohibits operators of websites and apps used for K-12 school purposes from using student data for targeted advertising or profiling.
California Hands-Free Driving Law
Drivers must use hands-free devices for cell phone calls and cannot hold a mobile device or text while driving.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
A broad state law that protects employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on a wide variety of protected characteristics including gender identity and expression.
Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986
Requires businesses with 10 or more employees to provide clear and reasonable warnings before knowingly exposing individuals to chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
Organic Waste Methane Emissions Reduction (SB 1383)
Requires all businesses to subscribe to organic waste collection services or self-haul organic waste to a recycling facility to reduce methane emissions from landfills.
California SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Training Law
Requires all employers with 5 or more employees to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all staff.
Industrial General Permit (Stormwater)
Industrial small businesses (e.g., recyclers, manufacturers) must develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and monitor runoff to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain.
Seth's Law (AB 9)
Strengthens existing anti-bullying laws by requiring CA public schools to update their anti-bullying policies and programs to specifically protect students who are bullied based on actual or perceived characteristics like sexual orientation or gender identity.
California Civil Code § 43.101
Grants immunity to first responders who damage a drone that is interfering with emergency services.
California Move Over Law
Drivers must move over a lane or slow down significantly when approaching stationary emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights on the side of a highway.
California Equal Pay Act
Prohibits an employer from paying any of its employees wage rates that are less than the rates paid to employees of the opposite sex, or of another race or ethnicity, for substantially similar work.
California Hands-Free Driving Law
Drivers are prohibited from holding a wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle unless it is used in a hands-free manner.
California Basic Speed Law
You may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)
Authorizes aggrieved employees to file lawsuits to recover civil penalties on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California for Labor Code violations.
California Home Protection Bill of Rights
Any person using force intended or likely to cause death or great bodily injury within their residence shall be presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily injury.
California Tenant Protection Act of 2019
Establishes a statewide rent cap and requires 'just cause' for evicting tenants who have lived in a unit for at least 12 months.