California Introduces Higher Minimum Wage, New Rules for Streaming and Schools from July
State minimum hourly wage remains $16.90, but rises above $26 in larger cities and sectors
State minimum hourly wage remains $16.90, but rises above $26 in larger cities and sectors
On July 1, 2026, California officially enacted a series of new laws that significantly change rules for workers, consumers, and schools. Changes include rising minimum wages in many cities, stricter food labeling rules, limits on mobile phones in classrooms, and obligations for streaming platforms and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, new rules on housing construction and expanded health insurance coverage for fertility treatments are introduced.
While the state minimum hourly wage remains $16.90 (about €15.50), many local governments are raising the bar. In Los Angeles County, the minimum as of July is $18.47 (about €17), in the city of Los Angeles $18.42, and in Pasadena $18.57. Malibu will have $17.91, and Santa Monica $18.47.
In the hospitality sector, differences are even more pronounced: Long Beach raises the minimum to $26.50 (about €24.30) for certain workers, while Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Glendale introduce $25.
The healthcare sector also receives higher thresholds. Large hospitals with more than 10,000 employees must pay at least $25 per hour, while smaller hospitals and other facilities will have rates from $19.28 to $23, depending on type.
For consumers, the biggest news is law AB 660, which standardizes dates on food products. Instead of confusing "sell by" labels, it introduces "best if used by" (for quality) and "use by" (for safety) labels. This aims to reduce unnecessary food waste.
Schools across California are limiting or completely banning mobile phone use during class starting in July. Also, public and charter schools must provide at least one gender-neutral restroom. Student ID cards will now include the crisis hotline number of The Trevor Project, an organization providing mental health support to young LGBTQ+ individuals.
Law SB 576 mandates streaming platforms like YouTube and Peacock to equalize ad volume with content to avoid sudden sound spikes. Autonomous vehicles gain a regulatory framework through law AB 1777: fleets must have a 24/7 emergency hotline with a human operator, and penalties are set for traffic violations.
The housing crisis is addressed by allowing construction of multifamily buildings near public transit, even in zones previously restricted to single-family homes. In health insurance, law SB 729 expands coverage for fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, to all companies with more than 100 employees. Coverage includes multiple egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers.
The new laws reflect California's response to pressures from high living costs, technological changes, and demands for expanded rights. While businesses and local governments still need to prepare implementation procedures, residents can already feel concrete changes in income, daily shopping, and access to services.
