> At a Glance
> – AI giants like Meta and OpenAI must offer free detection tools and optional watermarks starting January 1, 2026
> – Streaming ads on Netflix, YouTube, Peacock can’t be louder than shows under SB 576 effective July 1, 2026
> – Insulin copays capped at $35 for 30-day supply on private plans starting January 1, 2026
> – Why it matters: New rules touch daily life-from scrolling to prescriptions-while landlords, e-bike riders and even cat owners face tighter standards.
California is tightening the rules on tech, tenants and tabby cats as January 1, 2026 ushers in dozens of new laws. From AI transparency to streaming volume spikes, here’s what changes next year.
Tech & Media
SB 942 forces large generative-AI services with 1 million+ monthly users to ship a free detector and let creators add clear AI-generated labels to images, video or audio.
Streaming viewers get relief when SB 576 bans commercial volumes that jump above the program level on Netflix, YouTube, Peacock and peers. The rule mirrors the 2010 federal CALM Act and starts July 1, 2026.
Housing & Appliances
AB 628 requires working stoves, fridges, heat and hot water in every rental. Owners must repair or replace recalled units within 30 days; any tenant-supplied appliance needs written lease approval.
Consumer Refunds & Wages
Food-delivery apps must refund the full order-tip, tax, fees-to the original payment method when meals vanish or arrive wrong. Live customer service must be reachable if bots fail, and tips can’t subsidize base pay.
The statewide minimum wage rises to $16.90/hr on January 1, 2026, pushing the exempt-salary floor to $70,304.
Health & Safety
Insulin copays stay at $35 for 30-day supplies under private plans; large-group insurers must stock at least one insulin type. Individual and small-group plans adopt the cap a year later.
E-bike riders need red rear reflectors or lights at all times, not just after dark. Helmet-scofflaw minors can erase tickets by finishing an online CHP safety course.
Crime & Enforcement
Possessing key-programmers, duplicators or signal extenders with burglary intent becomes a misdemeanor–six months jail and/or $1,000 fine-under AB 486.
Businesses must notify consumers within 30 days of a data breach; breaches hitting 500+ residents also require a copy to the Justice Department within 15 days.
Animals & Environment
Cat declawing is outlawed except for medical necessity, and SB 627 bars masked local or federal officers in public (undercover ops excepted). The state is also phasing out single-use plastic bags; paper replacements must be 50% post-consumer recycled by 2028.
Education & Admissions
High-school seniors with GPAs ≥ 2.5 will receive automatic Cal State admission letters; students still file applications after accepting.
Key Takeaways
- AI content from big platforms gets mandatory detection tools and optional labels on January 1, 2026
- Streaming ads can’t blast above program volume starting mid-2026
- Renters gain guaranteed working appliances; landlords face 30-day recall repair rule
- Insulin stays $35 and minimum wage climbs to $16.90 next January
- Plastic bags disappear, cat declawing banned, and parking agencies can waive fines for hardship
Expect everything from your Netflix binge to your prescription bill to feel the ripple of these 2026 California statutes.
