New California Laws Pass in 2017: Part 2

ALL>> A total of 898 laws went into effect in California at the start of the New Year, ranging from cellphone use to human trafficking. These laws can affect the citizens of California in different ways, and some of the laws will have a major impact on the citizens of California. School Mascots: On Sunday, Jan. 1, California public schools are banned from using the name “Redskins” for sports teams and mascots under AB 30. This law was created due to American Indians regarding the term as offensive. Powdered Alcohol: Alcohol in powdered form will be illegal to possess, sell, make or use. Powdered alcohol is a powder that can be added to water to make a beverage contain alcohol. However, this law does not include vaporized alcohol. Drinking at Salons: It is now legal for any beauty salon or barber shop to serve free wine or beer to their clients until 10 p.m. with some limit restrictions. Businesses and EpiPens: Under AB 1386, businesses can stock EpiPens in case there is a situation where a person must be treated due to a life-threatening allergic reaction. The law gives pharmacies permission to give these devices to colleges, private business and other venues that have plans to using the devices. Right-to-Die: Terminally ill patients in California will be allowed to use experimental drugs, which do not have full regulatory approval, to decide when they want to end their lives. It allows, but does not require, health plans to cover investigational drugs and protect physicians from disciplinary actions if all other treatments have been exhausted. Gender-Neutral Bathrooms: On Wednesday, Mar. 1, AB 1732 requires that all single-user toilet facilities in any business or public place to be all-gender facilities. Youth Sports Health Protocol: Youth sports organization will be required to notify the parents or guardians of athletes younger than 17 years old who have been removed from an activity because of a suspected concussion. It will also require athletic organizations to offer concussion and head injury education to coaches and administrators on a yearly basis. Human Trafficking: People under 18 years old cannot be charged with prostitution, under SB 1322. They will be treated as victims in the cases. Building Safety:After the fatal balcony collapse at a Berkeley apartment building killing six people, SB465 is an attempt to better monitor potential safety issues. This law requires better information-sharing between state and local agencies about contractors, convictions and legal settlements. A working group will have one year to decide whether changes are needed to state building codes. Law Enforcement officers' handgun storage: Officers will be required to follow the same rules as civilians by securing their handguns in a lock box out of plain view or in a truck if a weapon is left unattended in a vehicle. Homeless students at Community College: All community college campuses with shower facilities on campus must allow homeless students who are enrolled, paid and in good standing to use the facilities.