Amelia Burroughs recently posted about California’s exempt salary increase, which can be read here.

Many other new laws went into effect January 1. Here are a few:

1. Drivers are no longer allowed to use wireless electronic devices including phones unless they are mounted to the dashboard or windshield in a manner that does not obstruct the driver’s view.
2. Gun magazines with the capacity of greater than 10 rounds must be turned in as of July 1. “Bullet buttons” on new firearms are prohibited. Of greatest likely impact to the firearms industry is the new requirement that an individual purchasing ammunition must undergo a background check.
3. Following the extremely controversial case of Stanford swimmer Brock Turner, in which he was convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman and receiving probation, the legislature passed and the governor signed into law a bill that makes a conviction for this crime ineligible for probation.
4. Pharmacies may now distribute, and businesses and colleges may keep on hand, EpiPens in case someone present is suffering a serious allergic reaction. An individual prescription is not required.
5. Children under the age of 2 must be secured in a rear-facing car seat unless they either weigh at least 40 lbs or are at least 40 inches tall.

This is just a handful of laws that have recently taken effect. Laws on subjects as varied as salons or barber shops serving free alcohol to experimental end-of-life drugs hit the books in 2017. Consider consulting with Janssen Malloy LLP if you believe a change in state law might affect you or your business.