New 2024 Laws Impacting California Law Enforcement

New California laws starting in 2024 which impact law enforcement.

• California Expands Mental Health Pretrial Diversion (AB 1412). Borderline personality disorder now qualifies for diversion to mental health treatment instead of incarceration for non-violent charges. Addresses mental health issues to reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation over punishment. This law ensures more people are not punished for crimes.
• California Minimum Wage Rising to $16 Per Hour. This new requirement should be successful in raising the cost of goods and labor in California making everyone just a little bit poorer. At the least it should be successful in leading to more unemployment. California residents will have to pay more for just about everything helping to make inflation much worse.
• California Workplace Protections for Off-Duty Cannabis Use (SB 700). I don’t think this will impact law enforcement as weed is still illegal at the federal level so peace officers will be committing a crime by using it, even if off duty and in California.
• California Allows Mobile Opioid Addiction Treatment (AB 663). New law permits specially equipped mobile pharmacies to dispense opioid addiction treatment medications.
• California Enacts Harsher Fentanyl Trafficking Sentences (AB 701). Those convicted of dealing over 1 kilogram of fentanyl face additional prison time under new statutes. Arms law enforcement and courts to punish large-scale fentanyl trafficking more harshly.
• California’s New Requirement for Traffic Stops (AB 2773). Officers are required to inform individuals of the reason for their stop before any questioning related to a criminal investigation or traffic violation. Officers must document the reason for the stop in their reports or citations. The requirement does not apply if withholding the reason is necessary to protect life or property from imminent threat.
• California Implements Speed Camera Trial Program (AB 645). Select cities can install speed cameras to automatically ticket drivers traveling significantly over speed limits. Drivers must be speeding by 11+ mph over the posted speed limit to trigger camera ticketing. The law covers cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and other regions.
• California Expands Conservatorship Standards (SB 43). Now includes those whose mental illness or addiction prevents them from maintaining personal health/safety. Someone suffering from severe addiction and inability to ensure personal safety is placed under conservatorship, receiving essential care.
• California Lifts Statewide Bans on Cruising (AB 436). Ends laws prohibiting/limiting cruising, reflecting cultural recognition of its community significance. Prevents localities from enacting new cruising restrictions.
• California Enhances Crosswalk Safety Regulations (AB 413). Prohibits stopping/parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk to improve visibility.
• California Restricts Discriminatory Nuisance Evictions (AB 1418). Prevents cities/counties from enacting ordinances leading to evictions due to law enforcement interactions or criminal convictions.
• California Expands Concealed Carry Weapons Restrictions (SB 2). Imposes stricter regulations on where firearms can be carried and who can obtain concealed carry permits. Bans concealed weapons in additional public places like schools, government buildings, and event venues. Mandates permit seekers complete firearms safety training. Sets 21 as the minimum age eligibility for obtaining concealed carry permits.