6 New CA Laws That Will Affect Your Wallet

SACRAMENTO, CA — Gov. Gavin Newsom is working his way through dozens of bills that arrived at his desk — and he has less than a week left to decide which ones will become law.

California’s governor has already signed a flurry of measures in recent days, including a landmark bill establishing the nation’s first framework for regulating artificial intelligence.

In 2024, Newsom vetoed nearly 16 percent of the roughly 1,200 bills that lawmakers sent him, according to CalMatters — one of the highest rates in recent years. About 18 percent of those vetoes came during the final stretch of last year’s session.

Among the bills he’s recently approved are several aimed directly at easing financial burdens, improving transparency, and protecting consumers’ wallets. Here are six factors that could impact your bottom line.

“California is hard at work to help make your life more affordable. While the Trump administration’s policies increase prices and make it more difficult to get by, California is passing laws to help eliminate unnecessary fees and add-ons cost time and money," Newsom wrote in a statement on Monday. "As President Trump and Congress shut down the government and leave on vacation, California is continuing to work for you.”

Refunds On Food Delivery Orders – AB 578

Sponsored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), this new law ensures that customers get their money back when a food-delivery platform fails to deliver an order. It simplifies refund access and aims to cut down on the “junk fees” and refund runarounds that have frustrated consumers since the rise of app-based delivery services.

More Transparency for Car Buyers – SB 766

Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) authored this measure to crack down on deceptive practices in the auto-retail industry. It requires clearer disclosures during the car-buying process and bans add-on services or features that provide no real benefit to consumers. Supporters say the law will help Californians avoid unnecessary markups and confusing sales tactics.

Cracking Down on Price Collusion — AB 325

Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) introduced AB 325 to strengthen California’s antitrust laws in the digital era. The bill makes pricing algorithms subject to state antitrust oversight, preventing companies from using software to coordinate prices or create artificial scarcity that drives up costs. It targets hidden forms of collusion in online marketplaces and e-commerce.

Easier Cancellations for Homeowners – AB 1327

Also from Aguiar-Curry, this law brings home-improvement and home-solicitation contracts into the 21st century. Homeowners can now cancel contracts by phone or email, a modernization advocates say is long overdue. The change aims to protect consumers from aggressive sales tactics and cumbersome paper-based cancellation requirements.

Basic Appliances Now Required for Rentals – AB 628

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) authored AB628, which requires all rental units to include essential kitchen appliances — a working stove and refrigerator — to be considered habitable. Tenant advocates say the update closes a gap in state housing codes and ensures that renters have access to basic living standards.

Protection for Tenants Facing Benefit Delays – AB 246

From Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles), tenants cannot be evicted solely because delays or reductions in Social Security benefits temporarily affect their ability to pay rent. The bill is meant to prevent vulnerable Californians, particularly seniors and people with disabilities, from losing housing due to bureaucratic holdups.