Residents react to some of California’s new laws

New year, new laws.

Governor Jerry Brown signed more than a thousand pieces of legislation in his last year in office. One of those is helping California Highway Patrol officers crack down on drivers under the influence.

“The DMV has put together a law in regards to the new interlock device,” said CHP Lieutenant Klingenberg.

Offenders will be required to connect a breathalyzer to their car. The device will prevent the ignition from starting unless the driver is sober.

Under SB 179, I.D. and driver’s license applicants can choose a gender category of male, female, or non-binary.

“Those things always existed so if we need to incorporate so they’re clear on a drivers license then yeah,” said Nathaniel, a Palm Springs resident.

You can also expect a change in the workplace for women this year. SB 826 requires publicly-traded companies to have at least one woman in their board of directors by the end of the year and two women by 2021.

Employers will also be required to provide new mothers with a non-bathroom, private area to pump breast milk.

“I think it’s more about making it more, normalizing it, so I don’t know if you need a special place to do it or if its a question about making it more acceptable in certain workplaces,” Nathaniel said.

Another big change in workplaces, the state minimum wage. Employees are now being paid $11 to $12 an hour.

“It feels good because I’m going to be making much more money than I would be,” said Tommie Gomez, a San Pedro resident visiting the valley.

You can officially leave plastic straws in 2018, at least in full-service restaurants, unless you request one. You might still see them at fast food restaurants.

What you shouldn’t see this year are minors riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or skates without a helmet. Violators can be cited if caught.

Brown also signed more gun control legislation into law. Now, 18-year-olds will no longer be able to purchase a rifle or shotgun in California, the age requirement increases to 21 on February 1.

“I think it’s a great idea. It’s about time. I don’t know why people need guns,” said Cathy Platz, a Sacramento resident visiting the valley.

Moving on to pets and divorce, judges can now decide who gets custody of a family pet during a split.

“I think it would be a great law if people are having a problem deciding who’s going to get a pet but the most important thing is the arbitrator so taxpayers don’t have to pay money for this,” said David Finkelstein, a New York resident visiting the valley.

Those are just a small fraction of some of the laws that have gone into effect today.