By: Megan Hastings

Public-Relations Manager

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of impactful bills this year that directly address critical issues the state faces. These new laws tackle pressing topics such as climate change, housing affordability, healthcare access, and social justice. 

Phones Free School Act: Assembly Bill 3216 requires schools in California to set limits on or prohibit student’s use of smartphones. School districts have two years to implement these rules, with the deadline set at July 1, 2026. With the signing of this bill, California joins a dozen other states with similar legislation, like Florida and Ohio. Limitations include “cellphone hotels,” in which students put their phones in cases for school administration to store away until the day ends. There are a few specifics in place, however. The bill states that schools cannot bar students from using their phones when a licensed physician says they must, and allows use during emergencies (decided by the school). 

California Freedom to Read Act: In signing Assembly Bill 1825, Newsom requires public libraries in California to establish a clear policy for choosing books but prohibits banning material dealing with sex and race. It allows librarians to decide whether or not a book is “obscene,” to which they can include or exclude it from their libraries. The California Library Association, civil liberties advocates at ACLU California Action, and the LGBTQ rights organization Equality California argue that the state must protect diverse perspectives at public libraries amid growing threats of censorship.  

Incarcerated persons menstrual products: Assembly Bill 1810 allows persons who experience menstrual bleeding access to menstrual products, including, but not limited to, sanitary pads and tampons. This bill would require the person to have ready access to these without request. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made under the statutory provisions noted in the bill.

           Tiny homes for the homeless: Senate Bill 1395, signed by Newsom in September, makes it easier for counties to set up tiny homes for their homeless population. Newsom set San Jose as an example specifically, which has more than 500 tiny homes out of the 2000 statewide. The bill also extends cities’ ability to streamline the construction of homeless shelters, which is set to expire in 2027. 

(Source: Cal Matters, NBC Bay Area)