Here's a look at a few of them.
When the clock strikes midnight, California will ring in roughly 900 new laws.
Among the changes are extra protection for struggling Valley homeowners. Known as the Homeowner's Bill of Rights, one law will restrict dual-track foreclosures. Banks will no longer be able to foreclose on a home while simultaneously helping the borrower modify their mortgage.
Another law requires that all tenants be notified when a landlord goes into default.
Don Skordino, Region Chair of California Association of Realtors, says, "They're certainly going to help the industry, and not just the industry but help home ownership because the longer we can keep somebody in the home rather than keep the home vacant, the better off the whole neighborhood is."
2013 will also bring some extra protection to the workforce. A new law protects breastfeeding women from discrimination by their bosses.
Employers will also now be banned from asking applicants for their social media usernames or passwords.
Texting and driving will soon be legal, hands free texting that is. Drivers will be allowed to use voice operated devices to send or listen to text messages on the road.
CHP officer Sean Duncan says, "We just want to make sure the road is safe for everybody. Blending technology and the responsibilities of driving is complicated and this kinda goes to that point. It kind of enables the driver to focus more on driving then looking down at their hand held device."
Minors behind bars serving life sentences without parole may have a second chance at life. Many juveniles will be able to petition for a sentence of 25 years to life.
One bill that will not go into effect as planned, is the ban on gay conversion therapy. The therapy is aimed at turning gay and lesbian minors straight. It's now on hold, while the courts decide whether it violates the constitution.
TXT 24
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