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New California Laws Affecting California in 2008

By Ross Jurewitz

Every year, the wonderful California legislature hands down new laws that affect how all Californians live their lives. Here are a few key laws effective January 1, 2008:

1. California minimum wage has been increased $0.50 per hour to $8 per hour for employees.

2. Gift card recipients now have the legal right to receive the balance in cash when that balance is $10 or less.

3. It is now illegal to smoke in a car with a passenger who is under 18 years old. Police cannot pull over drivers solely for smoking with a minor present, but can issue a citation after pulling over a driver for another violation.

4. It is also now illegal to drive in California while using a cell phone without a hands-free device. It is unclear whether speaking on a cell phone in speaker mode is legal. Drivers under 18 may not use wireless telephones while driving, not even with hands-free devices.

5. Cities and counties that approve development in flood prone areas now assume a portion of liability for damages to property due to flooding.

6. Consumers who buy tickets to concerts from oldies bands may have a right to collect damages under civil fraud theories thanks to AB702. If bands market themselves as an oldies band, they must have at least one member of the original band who has the legal right to use the name of the band. Alternatively, bands that label themselves tribute or salute bands can remove themselves from liability.

7. Cities and counties can now no longer enact ordinances prohibiting renting homes or apartments to illegal aliens. In addition, cities and counties can not require landlords to inquire into the legal residence status of renters.

8. Californians get additional privacy protections. Employers can now no longer display more than the last 4 digits of a social security number on an employee's paycheck.

9. An employee may collect temporary disability payments over the course of five years instead of just two, though the maximum number of weeks for which the employee may collect the benefit is still 104.

10. Anyone renewing or applying for a driver's license must sign a declaration acknowledging that they may be charged with murder if anyone is killed as a result of their driving under the influence.

11. Bicyclists must use lights while riding anywhere after dark, including sidewalks, bikeways, or highways. Prior law just required them to do so while on the roadways.

Full post as published by San Diego Injury Lawyer Blog on January 01, 2008 (boomark / email).