California Laws
133 articles · page 2 of 3
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California Medical Records Retention Laws (2026 Guide)
California requires medical records retention for 7 years under HSC 123145. Learn hospital, physician, and mental health rules, patient access rights, and copy fees.
California Minimum Wage 2026: $16.90 an Hour, $17.40 in 2027
California's minimum wage is $16.90 per hour in 2026 and rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027. See fast food, health care, tip rules and city rates.
California Motorcycle Accident Laws (2026): Deadlines & Helmets
California motorcycle accident law: the 2-year deadline to sue, pure comparative fault, the universal helmet law, legal lane splitting, and 30/60/15 insurance.
California Name Change Laws: Court Process, Fees, and the New Confidentiality Option
California's name-change process under CCP Section 1276-1279.6, the new HSC 103437 confidentiality track, fees, marriage-based changes, and SOR rules.
California Noise Laws: PC 415, Quiet Hours, Car Exhaust (2026)
California makes maliciously and willfully disturbing another by loud and unreasonable noise a crime under Penal Code 415(2). Quiet hours are set locally.
California Non-Compete Laws (2026): Are Non-Competes Enforceable?
California voids nearly all employee non-competes under Bus. & Prof. Code 16600. See the exceptions, your right to sue, and the stay-or-pay law starting 2027.
California Nursing Home Camera Laws (2026): RCFE Waiver, SNF Gap
California has no camera statute for nursing homes. Assisted living cameras run through a CDSS waiver that bans audio outright; skilled nursing has no camera guidance at all.
California Open Container Law (2026): The Full Rule
California bans driver and passenger drinking and open containers under Veh. Code Sections 23221, 23222, 23223, 23225, 23226 and 23229. Rules and penalty.
California Pepper Spray and Stun Gun Laws (2026)
California caps self-defense pepper spray at 2.5 ounces; both devices share a 16-with-consent age floor and are barred from schools and public buildings.
California Phone Call Recording Laws: Consent Rules for Cell and Landline (2026)
California phone call recording laws require all-party consent under PC 632 and PC 632.7. Covers cell phones, landlines, VoIP, business calls, interstate rules, and penalties.
California Police Body Camera Laws: Footage & Access
California's 45-day critical incident rule under Gov. Code 7923.625 governs release of police bodycam footage. See the timeline, redaction rules, and SB 1421.
California Pornography Laws (2026): Legal Status, Age Verification, and Penalties
Is porn legal in California? Obscenity law, why there is no adult-site age-verification mandate, AB 1043, CSAM penalties, and revenge porn rules explained.
California Power of Attorney Laws (2026)
California Power of Attorney Law (Prob. Code 4000-4545): durable POA rules, execution requirements, agent duties, and the separate Advance Health Care Directive.
California Prenuptial Agreement Laws: Requirements and Enforceability
Are prenups enforceable in California? The Uniform Premarital Agreement Act rules: signed writing, 7-day timing and counsel findings, spousal support waiver limits.
California Probate and Intestate Succession: What Happens Without a Will (2026)
California probate explained: the Superior Court process, community property intestate rules, small estate thresholds, and who inherits without a will.
California Property Records: How to Find Out Who Owns a Property (2026)
California property records are recorded by 58 County Clerk-Recorders. Learn how to search deeds, find an owner, and get a certified copy by county.
California Public Records Act: The 10-Day Rule, Fees, and Police Records
The California Public Records Act after the 2023 recodification: Gov. Code 7920.000 et seq., the 10-day determination rule, fees, and superior court petitions.
California Punitive Damages Law: Proof, No General Cap (2026)
California allows exemplary (punitive) damages on clear and convincing proof of oppression, fraud or malice. Civil Code 3294 sets no general cap. Here are the rules.
California Quitclaim Deed: Requirements, Recording and Transfer Tax
How a California quitclaim deed is signed, notarized and recorded, plus transfer tax exemptions, the BOE-502-A report and Prop 19 reassessment rules.
California Reckless Driving Laws: VC 23103 Penalties and Points
California reckless driving (Vehicle Code 23103) is a misdemeanor: 5 to 90 days in jail, a $145-$1,000 fine, or both, plus 2 points. Injury, racing, license rules.
California Recording Laws (2026): All-Party Consent Rules
California requires all-party consent to record private conversations under Penal Code § 632. Penalties reach $2,500 criminal fine and $5,000 civil damages per violation.
California Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Protective Order
Learn how to get a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) in California: who qualifies, how long it lasts, filing steps, firearm rules, and violation penalties.
California Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
California Ring doorbell laws require all-party consent for audio under Penal Code 632. Learn penalties up to $5,000 per violation, HOA rules, and CCPA rights.
California Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
California scam victims harmed by a practice the CLRA bans can sue for damages (fees if they win) after a 30-day notice. Where to report, elder protections.
California School Recording Laws: Students, Teachers, and Campus Rules (2026)
California bans recording in classrooms under Education Code 51512 unless the teacher and principal consent. Learn rules for IEPs and universities.
California Security Camera and Surveillance Laws: Rules for Home and Business (2026)
California security camera laws for homes, businesses, and apartments. Learn placement rules, audio restrictions under PC 632, neighbor disputes, and CCPA rights.
California Self-Defense Laws: Stand Your Ground & Castle Doctrine (2026)
California has no stand-your-ground statute but imposes no duty to retreat under CALCRIM 505 and case law. Castle doctrine (PC 198.5) covers the home only. No civil immunity. Updated 2026.
California Severance Pay Laws (2026): Is Severance Required?
California does not require severance, but Cal/WARN can make employers owe up to 60 days of back pay. Learn the rules on releases, EDD and severance claims.
California Sexting Laws: Legal Consequences and Penalties
Understand California's sexting laws: criminal penalties for adults and minors, revenge porn laws, and defenses available under California law.
California Slip and Fall Laws: Proving Premises Liability
California slip and fall law: what you must prove, the open-and-obvious doctrine, the 2-year lawsuit deadline, and the 6-month government claims rule.
California Small Claims Court: $12,500 Limit, Fees and How to File
California small claims court hears claims up to $12,500 for individuals and $6,250 for businesses. Learn the fees, filing, service, appeal and collection rules.
California Small Estate Affidavit: $208,850 Limit, Rules and Forms
California small estate affidavit: $208,850 limit for deaths on or after April 1, 2025, 40-day wait, what counts, house and spouse options, and liability.
California Smart Glasses Recording Laws (2026)
California smart glasses laws explained: all-party consent under PC 632, video vs. audio rules, voyeurism under PC 647(j), penalties, and the vetoed SB 1130.
California Social Security Disability: Rates & Wait Times
Social Security disability in California: the SSP state supplement ($1,233.94/mo in 2026), automatic Medi-Cal, approval odds, and hearing wait times.
California Spousal Support (Alimony) Laws: How It Works (2026)
California calls spousal support what most states call alimony. Learn how temporary guideline support and long-term discretionary support under Fam. Code § 4320 work, how long support lasts, and what SB 711 (2026) means for California state taxes.
California Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026)
California requires 5 years of continuous occupation plus full property tax payment to claim adverse possession. Learn how to remove squatters using unlawful detainer.
California Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
California statute of limitations by case type: personal injury (2 yrs), contracts (2-4 yrs), fraud (3 yrs), felonies (3-6 yrs), and more. Updated for 2026.
California Surveillance Camera Laws: Complete 2026 Guide
California surveillance camera laws explained. Learn rules for home security cameras, hidden cameras, audio recording consent, workplace surveillance, and penalties.
California Theft Laws: Petty vs Grand Theft, Shoplifting and Prop 36
In California, theft over $950 is grand theft under Penal Code 487. See petty theft and shoplifting penalties, Prop 36 repeat-theft rules and merchant liability.
California Trade Secret Laws: UTSA, Remedies & Deadlines
California Uniform Trade Secrets Act (CUTSA, Cal. Civ. Code §§ 3426 to 3426.11) covers misappropriation with broad super-preemption and a 3-year deadline. Learn the two-part test, CUTSA preemption rules, and how the federal DTSA applies in California.
California Unclaimed Property: How to Search & Claim Your Money (2026)
California's Controller holds billions in unclaimed money. Search claimit.ca.gov and learn how to file a free claim, with no deadline, in 2026.
California Unemployment Benefits 2026: $450 Max, Eligibility, Filing
California unemployment pays $40 to $450 a week for up to 26 weeks. Learn EDD eligibility rules, the waiting week, work search, how to file and how to appeal.
California Video Recording Laws: Filming, Surveillance, and Consent (2026)
Learn California video recording laws for 2026, including filming consent rules, security camera regulations, workplace surveillance, and penalties under Penal Code 647(j).
California Voyeurism and Hidden Camera Laws: Penalties and Protections (2026)
California Penal Code 647(j) makes voyeurism and hidden cameras illegal. Learn about peeping tom laws, upskirting penalties, revenge porn rules, and your legal rights.
California Warrant Search: How to Check If You Have a Warrant (2026)
California has no statewide warrant database. Learn how to check if you have a warrant in California county by county, using Find Your Court and sheriffs.
California Whistleblower Laws: Protections and How to Report
California whistleblower laws protect employees who report violations of law. Learn about protections, filing deadlines, remedies, and recent updates.
California Will and Trust Laws: Witnesses, Holographic Wills (2026)
A California will needs 2 witnesses present at the same time, not a notary. A handwritten will can be valid if the signature and key terms are in the testator's hand.
California Window Tint Laws (2026): Legal VLT Limits
California requires front side windows to allow 70% VLT (film must be 88%). Back side windows may be any darkness; the rear window needs dual outside mirrors.
California Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)
California windshield mounting laws: restrictions, penalties, and exemptions. Complete guide.
California Workers' Compensation Laws: Benefits, Deadlines, and Your Rights
California workers' comp guide: mandatory for 1+ employees, 1-year filing deadline, MPN doctor-choice rules, 66 2/3% wage replacement, and exclusive-remedy explained.
California Workplace Harassment Laws: FEHA 1-Employee Rule (2026)
California's FEHA bans workplace harassment by employers with one or more employees, and an employee who harasses is personally liable. CRD deadline: three years.
California Workplace Recording Laws: Employee Rights and Employer Rules (2026)
Learn California workplace recording laws under Penal Code 632, employee rights to record harassment, employer surveillance rules, and AI tool risks.
California Wrongful Death Laws (2026): Deadlines & Who Can Sue
California wrongful death claims: the 2-year deadline to file, who can sue under CCP 377.60, survival actions, what damages are allowed, and the 2026 sunset.
CCPA Compliance Checklist for Businesses (2026)
Step-by-step CCPA compliance checklist covering privacy policies, Do Not Sell links, data mapping, vendor contracts, employee training, and the 45-day response window.
CCPA Opt-Out Rights: Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (2026)
California consumers can opt out of the sale and sharing of personal data under the CCPA. Learn about GPC signals, sensitive PI limits, link requirements, and enforcement.
CCPA vs CPRA: Key Differences Explained (2026)
The CPRA (Prop 24, 2020) amended the CCPA from Jan 1, 2023: new rights to correct and limit sensitive data, a sharing opt-out, and the CPPA. Compare both.
CIPA: California Invasion of Privacy Act Explained
CIPA (Cal. Penal Code 630 et seq.) requires all-party consent to record confidential talks and cell phone calls. See penalties, SB 690, and the Otter.ai case.
Common Law Marriage in California: Is It Recognized? (2026)
California has not recognized common law marriage formation since 1895. Learn what Cal. Fam. Code §§ 300 and 308 say, how out-of-state common-law marriages are treated, and how to prove one in CA.
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Does California Have an Age Verification Law for Adult Websites? (2026)
California has not enacted an age-verification law for adult content. AB 3080 failed; AB 1043 is a different, device-level law taking effect in 2027.
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How Long Is a Life Sentence in California? (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to life sentences in California: parole eligibility, LWOP rules, notable cases, recent legislative changes, and sentencing statutes. Updated March 2026.