This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.
The Abridged version:
- New California laws taking effect on Jan. 1, 2026, expand coverage for in vitro fertilization, regulate artificial intelligence, protect renters and more.
Most of the hundreds of new California laws that are set to take effect on the first day of the new year won’t change your life. They’re adjustments to existing laws and directions to state agencies to follow up on past priorities.
But some of them might have a profound effect on you or a loved one.
Know someone who’s struggling to conceive? One new law requires more insurers to cover in vitro fertilization.
How about someone who’s thinking about what to do after high school? Another new law compels more California State University campuses to offer automatic admission to seniors who meet their requirements.
Some new California laws are meant to confront some of the major questions of the moment, including how to regulate artificial intelligence and whether the state’s Democratic leaders can contest the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement.
In all, lawmakers passed 917 bills in 2025 and Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed 123 of them. Most of the ones he signed take effect on Jan. 1.
CalMatters reporters describe some of the noteworthy new laws in the stories listed below. CalMatters will update this list at calmatters.org as it publishes more stories over the next few days.
Millions of Californians gain access to in vitro fertilization under new law
A new California law requires tortillas to include an extra ingredient. Here’s why
Gavin Newsom signs law in ‘overhaul’ of mental health system. It changes decades of practice
Even more Cal State campuses will automatically admit eligible students under a new state law
California schools will have to do more to prevent sex abuse under new law
New California laws rewrite car-buying rules with return policy and pricing reforms
Cities can’t punish outreach workers for helping homeless Californians under new law
Big Tech blocks California data center rules, leaving only a study requirement
A new California law requires a working fridge in all apartments. LA landlords fought it
Scared of artificial intelligence? New law forces makers to disclose disaster plans
Newsom unveils $11 state insulin for Californians: ‘We took matters into our own hands’
New California law expands Newsom’s mental health court
California is banning masks for federal agents. Here’s why it could lose in court