(1 of ) The first year of community college in California is free. Assembly Bill 19 kicks in with the new year, although lawmakers still must provide the money in the next budget. The bills' funding will be settled in June.
(2 of ) Starting Jan. 1, Prop 64 allows recreational marijuana to hit the open market for state residents and visitors 21 years or older with proper identification. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
(3 of ) AB830 eliminates the high school exit exam in order to graduate after another bill temporarily removed the exam from 2016-2018 (Photo: AP Images)
(4 of ) Anyone in California can enter a crosswalk, even with a flashing "Don't Walk" signal, to cross a street in 2018 with the AB390 bill — as long as they reach the other side before it stops. Before Jan. 1, the rarely enforced law resulted in a $250 fine if someone entered the crosswalk while it was flashing. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
(5 of ) SB20 now requires Greyhounds and Megabuses to implement seat belts for the first time. Failure to do so results in a $20 fine for first-time offenders and $50 for offense after that. This does not include public transportation or tourist buses. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
(6 of ) The controversial SB239 now makes the transfer of HIV to a partner without disclosing the disease a misdemeanor. It originally was a felony. “California took a major step toward treating HIV as a public health issue, instead of treating people living with HIV as criminals,” state Sen. Scott Wiener said.
(7 of ) Under Bill 785, the Disarm Hate Act, anyone convicted of a hate crime loses gun ownership rights for a decade. A hate crime is seen as anything that interferes with someone's rights due to race, religion, national origin, gender, disability or sexual orientation. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
(8 of ) California's new bill AB10 requires schools with 40 percent population under the poverty line to provide free menstrual products in the restrooms. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
(9 of ) Job applications can no longer ask if the applicant has a criminal record. While employers can still run a mandated background check, this law was passed in order to help end discrimination against applicants with minor crimes.
(10 of ) Employers can no longer ask about prior salary on an application under AB168.
(11 of ) Numerous laws are coming into effect involving ammunition in the coming years. For example, ammunition will no longer be mailed to the owner's house but instead must be sent to a licensed gun vendor. Background checks will start for ammunition purchases in 2019. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
(12 of ) All boaters under the age of 21 need to have a license called the California Boater Card. People must complete a state-approved safety course in order to receive the card.
(13 of ) For businesses that employ 20 or more people, California mothers and fathers are now guaranteed 12 weeks of job protected leave. The New Parent Leave Act provides this time off if it is taken during the first year of a child's birth.
(14 of ) SB3 is gradually increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour with the 2018 minimum wage increasing to $11 an hour for companies with over 25 workers and $10.50 for companies who have 25 or fewer workers. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)
(15 of ) Under AB1303, a transparent tint can be applied to a car's windshield to help protect those with medical conditions from ultraviolet rays, but a dermatologist's note certifying they cannot be exposed to UV rays must be in the car at all times.
(16 of ) SB54 prohibits anyone from forcing immigrants to reveal their citizenship status. They also cannot be detained because of their undocumented status without committing a crime. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
(17 of ) Law AB 450 states that employers cannot allow an immigration raid in the workplace without a court order. Additionally schools cannot document the immigration status of students, so children can still attend school even if their parents are undocumented or were deported. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
