New laws going into effect in July 2026 across California – NBC Los Angeles

Starting July 1, a series of new California laws take effect, introducing higher minimum wages for hospitality and healthcare workers, standardized food labeling under AB 660, and mandatory smartphone policies in schools. These regulations also target streaming ad volumes, driverless car enforcement, and zoning laws for multi-family housing near transit hubs.

How will minimum wages change on July 1?

Local jurisdictions will update minimum wage ordinances to exceed the state’s current $16.90 per hour requirement for most sectors. Hospitality and healthcare workers in specific cities will see the largest increases.

In the City of LA, Santa Monica, and Glendale, the hotel and hospitality minimum wage rises to $25.00 per hour. Long Beach will set its rate at $26.50, while West Hollywood will move to $20.87.

Healthcare pay rates vary by facility type. Large hospitals with over 10,000 full-time employees will pay $25 per hour, while general healthcare workers will earn $23.00. Clinics, such as urgent care, will pay $22.00, and independent rural hospitals will set rates at $19.28.

What are the new food labeling and allergen rules?

AB 660 standardizes how expiration dates appear on goods. “Best if used by” or “best if frozen by” will now indicate peak quality and freshness, while “use by” or “free by” will mark hard deadlines for high-risk items.

The law allows wine bottlers to note packaging dates and permits grocery stores to use “packed on” labels for deli and prepared foods. Infant formula, eggs, and beer are exempt from these changes.

Additionally, AB 68 makes California the first state to require large restaurant chains with 20 or more nationwide locations to disclose common allergens. These include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soybeans, fish, shellfish, and sesame.

How are California schools changing for students?

The Phone-Free Schools Act (AB 3216) requires every school in the state to implement policies that limit or prohibit smartphone use on campus to protect mental health and reduce distractions.

Student facilities will also change under SB 760, which mandates that all public and charter schools establish at least one non-gendered restroom. These bathrooms must feature clear signage indicating they’re open to all gender identities.

To support student mental health, AB 727 requires middle schools, high schools, and colleges to print the Trevor Project’s 24/7 crisis hotline (1-866-488-7386) on student ID cards. Schools may use existing unissued ID cards before switching to the new design.

What new regulations affect technology and housing?

Streaming platforms like YouTube and Peacock must now regulate commercial volume under SB 576. The law prohibits ads from being louder than the accompanying video content to prevent jarring volume spikes.

For autonomous vehicles, AB 1777 allows law enforcement to ticket robotaxi fleets that violate traffic laws. Companies must also provide a 24/7 free emergency response hotline staffed by a human remote operator.

A new zoning law will override local regulations to permit multi-family residential developments within half a mile of frequently used Metro lines. This targets high-density areas in San Francisco and LA counties, despite opposition from Los Angeles officials.

Finally, SB 729 mandates that employers with 100 or more workers expand health insurance to cover infertility diagnoses and IVF. This coverage must include an unlimited number of embryo transfers and three completed egg retrievals.

What happens next for California residents?

Business owners in the hospitality and healthcare sectors may need to adjust payroll systems immediately to avoid compliance issues. Restaurant chains with 20+ locations are likely to update their menus or signage to meet allergen disclosure mandates.

Local officials in LA and San Francisco counties may continue to challenge the state’s override of single-family zoning laws. Schools will likely begin rolling out new ID cards as old supplies run out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which food items are exempt from the new labeling laws?
Infant formula, eggs, and beer are exempt from the AB 660 labeling requirements.

What is the new minimum wage for workers at large hospitals?
Healthcare workers at facilities with over 10,000 full-time employees will earn $25 per hour.

Which restaurants must disclose common food allergens?
The mandate applies to large restaurant chains with 20 or more locations nationwide, excluding small businesses and mom-and-pop shops.

Which of these new California laws do you think will have the biggest impact on your daily routine?