2022 NEW LAW New California Laws JOEL GUMBINER
It is an exciting time of the year for “new law” buffs. As always, California’s new laws are a mix of added protections for workers, consumers, citizens in general and the press. Some of these new laws may start trends
across the country. What’s the saying? “As California goes, so goes the nation.” So keep your condoms on, get your old press credentials out, and make sure you go to the right section of the toy store when shopping next Christmas. In the meantime, start reading—here are just some of the new laws taking effect in California on January 1, 2022 and beyond. Gender-Neutral Toy Sections AB 1084 requires large department stores
and ensures reporters can be in protest areas without being arrested. It also prohibits po-
that sell kids’ products to maintain a genderneutral section of toys and childcare items.
lice from “intentionally assaulting, interfering with, or obstructing” journalists’ newsgather-
Stores that do not comply face a penalty of up to $250 for first offenses, and up to $500 for second offenses.
ing. It does not, however, create criminal liability for the police.
Some commentators say this bill might not
crackdowns—some violent—on protests and
radically alter Californians’ shopping experiences as some large stores already organize
demonstrations in recent years where journalists covering events were arrested and in-
their toys by type of product rather than by gender.
jured.
A Free Press at Protests
SB 510 aims to put a stop to “surprise billing” for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations, ensur-
SB 98 prevents police from blocking journalists covering protests and demonstrations
This bill appears to be a response to police
Free COVID Testing
ing patients face no out-of-pocket fees from
THE MARIN LAWYER An Official Publication of the Marin County Bar Association
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