A host of new laws came into effect on the first of the year. We’ve covered some of these laws in previous blogs. Today we’re going to do our final installment of new California laws. If you have questions about them, or you’ve been accused of a crime in the state of California, you can reach out to Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.
Ban-the-box
If a company has at last five employees then they are no longer allowed to ask about a person’s criminal history on a job application. In fact, inquiring about or taking into consideration any criminal history during the hiring process is now illegal. While this may decrease the need for certificates of rehabilitation, there are still reasons you may need this service. Call Law Office of Michael L. Fell for more information.
Changes in gun laws
California gun owners can no longer legally import ammunition online unless the ammunition has gone through a licensed California vendor. All purchases of ammunition must be done in person with a licensed vendor that’s approved by the Department of Justice. Any type of transferring of ammunition must go through a licensed dealer as well.
A new law also closed a loophole regarding open carry. Under the new law, a gun owner is no longer able to carry an unloaded shotgun or rifle in any unincorporated area of a California county in which it is not legal to discharge a firearm.
Sexual extortion
The existing extortion laws were expanded to provide a way to punish a person who committed what officials are calling sextortion. This refers to a situation in which a person obtains sexually explicit images of a person and then blackmails them by threatening to distribute the materials unless they receive payment or get more images or more sexual acts.
Seatbelts are required on commercial buses
Both the passengers and the driver of a commercial bus will be required by law to wear seatbelts. This law doesn’t officially take effect until July of 2018. A person who violates this law will be fined at least $20 under California’s Vehicle Code.
Services offered under the Safe at Home Program
A new program, referred to as Safe at Home, offers free services to victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. These services include a P.O. box, confidential address, or mail-forwarding. These services are now also available to victims of sex trafficking.
New rules for harassment preventing training
Any company that has at least 50 employees must discuss harassment based on sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity during supervisor harassment training. This training must be offered every two years and a poster must be displayed that shows transgender rights.
If you’re charged with breaking one of these new laws, or a law that’s been on the books for decades, Law Office of Michael L. Fell is here to help. Reach out to us at (949) 585-9055 and ask for a free legal consultation. We’re here to help you move forward.