January 1st was not only New Year’s day, but a day where many new laws went into effect throughout California. The LA Times recently published an article highlighting all the new laws that will take effect, here are a few important ones:

• Employers must provide written notice within 24 hours to workers who might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and could face fines for violations. A second law has expanded workers’ compensation help for those who might have contracted the virus on the job. Both laws will be in effect until 2023.

• California homeowners who are 55 or older can get a property tax break when moving to a new home under a voter-approved law that blends the taxable value of the old home with that of the new, more expensive home.

• Independent contractors who work for app-based companies such as Uber, Lyft and DoorDash are now eligible for a limited number of healthcare and other workplace benefits, including a guaranteed wage for time spent behind the wheel, under a law approved by voters.

• California’s minimum wage rises to $14 an hour for large companies, with pay rising to $13 in workplaces with 25 or fewer employees.

• Businesses with as few as five employees must provide up to 12 weeks of annual unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical needs, replacing a law with a higher threshold for companies.

For a full list of new bills that went into effect please click here.

The Los Angeles City Council recently discussed a motion to ban homeless encampments within certain public rights-of-way and under freeway overpasses, limiting locations where homeless individuals can locate. The original motion gained both support and opposition, with many homeowners saying enforcement must happen immediately while various service providers and individuals stated that the motion was cruel and criminalized homelessness. The City Council chose to not vote on the motion, but to have a robust discussion on the severity of the homelessness issue and express their commitment to establish more temporary and permanent housing options. Councilpresident Nury Martinez referred the motion back to the Homelessness and Poverty Committee where amending motions may be considered. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce wrote a letter in support of the motion which can be read here.