New California laws taking effect in 2024: Consumer, Internet and Social Media, Entertainment

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The new year is bringing a host of new California laws, rights and privileges to residents that impact how they live, work and entertain themselves.

CONSUMER

SB 244: Makes it easier, and likely cheaper, to repair televisions, cellphones and other electronics and home appliances. The law requires manufacturers to provide consumers and repair shops with the parts, tools and documentation needed to service or repair the device. The Right to Repair Act takes effect in July.

SB 644: Cancelling a hotel or Airbnb reservation will be a lot easier if the place you are staying at is in California. The new law allows consumers to cancel, without penalty, a hotel or short-term rental reservation within 24 hours after the reservation is confirmed. The reservation must be made at least 72 hours before check-in.

SB 478: Prohibits those hidden fees that don’t show up until you are about to finalize a purchase online. Starting July 1, 2024, the law requires websites and apps to display the true cost of an item or service, such as lodging, tickets for live events and food delivery fees.

NEW CALIFORNIA LAWS FOR INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Proposition 24: Originally approved in 2020, the California Consumer Privacy Act will finally take effect in March of 2024. It establishes standards for the collection, retention and use of personal data and allows consumers to prevent businesses from selling or sharing consumer’s sensitive data.

AB 587: Approved in 2022, the law requires social media companies to disclose their policies on how they handle hate speech and misinformation. Beginning in January 2024, social media companies must provide regular reports to the state on how they responded to violations of the terms of service and any enforcement action that was taken. In September, Elon Musk’s X Corp sued the state claiming the law violates the U.S. Constitution.

SB 60: Allows the public to seek a court order against a social media company requiring them to remove content that offers to sell, provide or give away a controlled substance in violation of state law.

SB 362: The California Delete Act will give consumers more control over their personal data. Beginning in January, the law requires that data brokers register with the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA). By 2026, the CPPA will establish a mechanism that consumers can use to direct all data brokers to delete their personal information.

ENTERTAINMENT

SB 76: Allows cities to create temporary Entertainment Zones that allow existing restaurants and bars to sell alcohol if they are located within the boundaries of a city-permitted street festival.

AB 618: Increases the financial penalties on people who don’t show up to a reserved campground at a state park or beach. Cancellations made within two to six days of the reservation will cost one day’s lodging. Those who cancel within 24 hours or don’t show up for their stay will forfeit the entire cost of the reservation.

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