SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California, in its mission to be a progressive leader, is leaving several products and practices behind going into the new year. Here are 10 of those bans taking effect in 2025:
Toxic chemicals in clothing
Clothing and textile manufacturers must change how they produce their products as the state will remove several toxic and permanent chemicals in 2025. The banned ingredients include formaldehyde and mercury.
Forced outings in schools
School districts can no longer institute policies requiring teachers or staff to disclose a child’s gender identity to the child’s parent or guardians.
Many school districts — including the Rocklin Unified School District — have adopted such policies with backlash and even lawsuits from state leaders. Rocklin USD’s policy is not currently being enacted, pending legal challenges by the Rocklin Teachers Professional Association and a lawsuit from the State Department of Education and the California Department of Education.
Anti-union meetings
In 2025, employers can no longer compel their employees to attend meetings where the employer conveys their political or religious beliefs. These types of meetings were used for employers to convey their anti-union stances.
Employers found in violation would be subjected to a $500 civil penalty.
The National Labor Relations Board ruled such meetings illegal in November after a lawsuit involving Amazon.com, however experts expect this ruling to change under the Trump Administration.
Legacy admissions
Private universities in California can no longer factor in an applicant's connection to the school’s alumni or donors as a reason for admission.
Ban on book bans
Libraries must create a publicly available document detailing their book collection process before the beginning of 2026. The document would guide the library in selecting books for their inventory.
It will also prevent libraries from banning any books based on subject matter focused on race, gender identity, sexual orientation or other characteristics.
Medical debt on credit reports
Consumer credit agencies will no longer consider medical debt a negative factor in a person's credit history. The change will be implemented in July 2025.
Insufficient fund fees
Certain banks and credit unions will be prohibited from charging people a fee when they attempt to withdraw money from their accounts while having insufficient funds.
Paid family leave
Companies will no longer be allowed to require their employees to use two weeks of paid vacation time before they can access their family leave benefits.
Hidden subscription cancellations
Subscription services will no longer be allowed to hide their cancellation process through a cumbersome multi-step process, as a new law makes it so all subscription services can be canceled more easily.
For example, online subscription services must display a one-click cancel button to end a subscription.
Parking near crosswalks
Cars will no longer be allowed to park within 20 feet when approaching a crosswalk or within 15 feet of a crosswalk that has a curb extension.
The law was enacted last year, but starting Jan. 1, people can be issued citations for violations.
