Sen. Dodd: New Laws Taking Effect in 2024

SACRAMENTO – Fourteen new laws written by Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, will take effect in 2024 including those to increase accountability and oversight of sexual harassment cases on California State University campuses and another banning “junk fees” in an array of transactions including concert ticket purchases.

“These are all commonsense measures that will improve life for all Californians,” Sen. Dodd said. “They are a response to some of the most pressing issues in our state – whether it is college campus safety or consumer protection. I look forward to positive results as they go into effect in the year ahead.”

The 14 new laws received overwhelming Assembly and Senate support before they were signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. They bring the total number of laws passed by Sen. Dodd in his nine years in the Legislature to 113 – making him the most prolific lawmaker over that period.

Among the new laws taking effect Jan. 1 are:

Senate Bill 3 Water Shutoff Protection: Extends protections from Senator Dodd’s 2018 Water Shutoff Protection Act to those served by small water systems

SB 329 Council Pay Caps: Increases pay caps for city council members to increase diversity and representation on city councils

SB 353 Recycling: Adds large juice containers to state recycling program; Improves processing payments and supports expansion of recycling opportunities

SB 387 Broadband on State Property: Allows state properties to be utilized to help incentivize broadband deployment

SB 478 Hidden Fees: Starting July 1, outlaws hidden fees set by companies to deceive consumers with incomplete advertised prices  

SB 667 Nurse Midwives: Clarifies scope of practice for Nurse Midwives, ensuring patient access and care for pregnant women

SB 668 State Parks: Allows nonprofit operating and co-management agreements at state parks to continue

SB 808 CSU Harassment: Increases tracking, transparency and reporting of cases and settlement  

SCR 17 Artificial Intelligence: Endorses the blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, while underscore the power of AI and risks as the first AI-drafted state resolution to pass a legislature

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.