5 New CA Laws That Could Impact Your Health In 2026

Californians could see meaningful changes to health care costs, food safety and privacy protections in 2026 under a slate of new state laws aimed at affordability, public health and consumer protection.

Among the most wide-reaching measures are new limits on insulin costs, expanded privacy safeguards for patients seeking gender-affirming care, tighter regulation of hemp products and a requirement that most store-bought corn tortillas be fortified with folic acid.

Lower insulin costs

Under SB 40, large group health plans in California will be required to cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply, a move intended to ease the financial burden for people living with diabetes.

The law also advances the state’s CalRx initiative, which will begin selling state-branded insulin starting Jan. 1. Insulin pens under the CalRx label will be available at pharmacies for a recommended price of $11 per pen, or a maximum of $55 for a five-pack, significantly undercutting many current market prices.

“California didn’t wait for the pharmaceutical industry to do the right thing — we took matters into our own hands," Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote in statement. "No Californian should ever have to ration insulin or go into debt to stay alive — and I won’t stop until health care costs are crushed for everyone.”

State officials have said the program is designed to increase competition in the insulin market and provide a reliable low-cost option, particularly for uninsured and underinsured Californians.

Expanded privacy protections

AB 82, authored by Rep. Chris Ward (D-San Diego), expands privacy protections related to gender-affirming care. The measure strengthens safeguards around sensitive medical information, limiting the disclosure of data connected to gender-affirming services.

Supporters say the law is meant to protect patients and providers amid growing concerns about harassment, discrimination and the misuse of personal health information, particularly as some states move to restrict access to such care.

Crackdown on intoxicating hemp products

California is also tightening rules around hemp-derived products. AB 8 bans industrial hemp extract from being added to food, beverages, food additives or dietary supplements unless the extract has a purity level greater than 99% and contains no tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) or synthetic cannabinoids.

"We are continuing to place the safety of every Californian first," Newsom wrote after signing the bill in October. "For too long, nefarious hemp manufacturers have been exploiting loopholes to make their intoxicating products easily available to our most vulnerable communities – that stops today."

The law targets the growing market for intoxicating hemp products that are often sold outside of the state’s regulated cannabis system. Lawmakers said the measure is intended to close loopholes that allowed psychoactive hemp products to reach consumers without consistent safety standards or oversight.

Tortilla makers must add folic acid

After Jan. 1, AB 1830, will require most store-bought corn tortillas and other corn masa products to be made with folic acid.

Health experts say folic acid plays a critical role in preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida, particularly during early pregnancy. The requirement is expected to benefit communities that rely heavily on corn-based staples, including many Latino households.

Small businesses that produce corn masa products are exempt from the requirement.

"We’re going to work with the industry, consumers and experts to crack down on ultra-processed foods, and create a healthier future for every Californian," Newsom wrote in a statement announcing the new legislation.

'Sell by' labels on food banned

AB 660, authored by Rep. Jacqui Irwin (D-Encino) bans "Sell By" dates on food items sold at stores in California — the first law of its kind in the U.S.

The new law, which takes effect July 1, 2026, aims to reduce food waste by standardizing the use of "Best if Used By" and "Use By" and prohibiting confusing labels with dates that have nothing to do with the food's quality.

Such labels have drawn scrutiny as awareness around the problem of food waste continues to grow. "Use By" and "Best Before" labels may encourage consumers to throw away food that is not expired.

"Having to wonder whether our food is still good is an issue that we all have struggled with," Irwin said.