Important California Laws To Know In 2021 – Part 2
The following are some new laws that become effective in California in 2021.
*No liability for some child car rescues
Individuals who find a child locked alone in a car may be exempt from criminal or civil liability if they attempt to rescue them, subject to certain conditions as prescribed by AB 2717. The person must prove he or she had a “good faith belief” that the child inside was in imminent danger. Further, the person must have called 911, determined that the vehicle was locked and that breaking in was the only option.
*Certain cars will no longer be sold in California
A 2010 law signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger intended to phase out heavy metals in brake pads is going into further effect in 2021. The law stipulated that by 2021, vehicle manufacturers may not make brake pads with more than 5% copper. As a result, Chevrolet will no longer be able to sell the 2021 Camaro SS, 1LE, and ZL1 models in California, since each uses brake pads that contain more than 5% copper.
*Increased coverage of the California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
In 2021, the CFRA will apply to most businesses in California, providing for 12 weeks of job-protected leave for health issues, a family member’s health condition, or bonding with a new child. The only requirement is that the employee has worked for the company for at least a year. Before 2021, this law only covered businesses with at least 50 employees. Now the CFRA will include businesses with at least five employees.
*Bans on certain police holds
After many high-profile cases emerged nationwide involving deaths in police custody, California passed AB 1196, which prohibits police from using chokeholds and carotid holds.
*More mandated child abuse reporters
Human resources employees who work at companies with at least five employees that also employ minors must now become mandated reporters for child abuse. As with teachers and other state-mandated reporters, the HR workers affected will be required to complete appropriate training.
*Voting rights restored to parolees
Proposition 17 gives individuals on parole the right to vote.
*Records of juveniles sealed from public
AB 2425 ensures that young people who were within the juvenile justice system but are no longer under its jurisdiction are protected from the negative consequences of a police record. This law repairs a gap in confidentiality protections for children who have had contact with law enforcement, providing safeguards for juvenile records from public inspection.
*California Racial Justice Act
As certain events in 2020 further revealed discriminatory practices in law enforcement, this legislation, which many say is long overdue, prohibits state prosecutors from using discriminating means to seek or to obtain a conviction or sentence. AB 2542 mandates that if a suspect shows racial bias in a case, he or she may be entitled to a new trial or sentence.
The California Desert Trial Academy utilizes an extensive distance learning platform for students studying online. The CDTA focuses on providing a cutting-edge academic experience that takes advantage of many effective, easy-to-use online tools. At CDTA, we train, educate, and develop students to be exceptional attorneys and trial advocates. Call us today at (760) 342-0900 or find out more online here.