SWEEPING NEW LAWS FOR 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom's office this week described 2025 as "the year that would not end.

- By Katie King and Phil Willon

But it has, and in its aftermath comes a slew of new laws passed that year that will affect almost every Californian.

The governor signed nearly 800 bills last year, including legislation that caps the cost of insulin, streamlines California State University admissions and temporarily allows sexual assault claims that are past the statute of limitations. He also approved legislation banning law enforcement officers from wearing masks to hide their identities during operationsa law that's already being challenged in court by the Trump administration.

Some of the new state laws were passed years ago and are just now taking effect.

"These new laws reflect who we are: a state that protects workers, respects students, puts people before politics, and isn't afraid to hold powerful interests accountable," Newsom said in a Tuesday statement.

Most of the laws listed below take effect on New Year's Day. As in years past, the list mostly reflects the interests of the Democrats who hold a supermajority in both the state Senate and Assembly and hold every statewide office in California, including the governorship.

Here are a few notable laws going into effect:

Health

Fertility treatments: Large employer health plans will be required to cover infertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, for everyone, regardless of marital status, gender identity or sexual orientation. "California is a proud reproductive freedom state - and that includes increasing access to fertility services that help those who want to start a family," Newsom said after signing the bill in 2024. The governor later pushed to delay implementation of state Senate ers can bring in their own bags.