California’s Bold Educational Reforms for 2025: From Fentanyl Awareness to Homework Regulation and More

OAKLAND, Calif. — As Californians ring in 2025, a slate of new educational laws will come into effect that aim to influence everything from library policies to homework norms in schools across the Golden State. These laws are designed to address various aspects of the educational experience, fostering an environment of inclusion and safety while broadening the educational curriculum to include urgent contemporary issues. One significant legislative change is the inclusion of fentanyl education in the health courses mandatory for high school graduation. With the rise of opioid-related incidents among youth, California educators will now … Read more

California’s Youth Protection Social Media Law Faces Partial Injunction, Judge Strikes Down Certain Provisions on First Amendment Concerns

San Jose, Calif. – A federal judge in California has partially blocked a new state law intended to protect minors from potential harms on social media. This action comes after a lawsuit from NetChoice, a tech industry lobbying group, asserting that the law threatens free speech rights. The litigation centers around Senate Bill 976, known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, which was approved in September last year. It aims to restrict social media platforms from delivering addictive content to young users without parental consent. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila … Read more

California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force Hits New Milestones in 2024, Governor Newsom Announces Extended Law Enforcement Initiatives

Sacramento, Calif. – California’s efforts to curb retail and organized crime have reached new heights with a record-breaking year for the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Established in 2019 and expanded under Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration in 2021, the task force has become a pivotal element in the state’s strategy against rampant retail theft, firmly positioning California at the forefront of national efforts to address this growing challenge. In a recent update, Governor Newsom revealed that the task force has surpassed its previous records set in 2023, achieving significant milestones by … Read more

California’s New PFAS Regulations Promise a Cleaner Future: What Companies Need to Know

Sacramento, CA — A substantial shift in the environmental regulations landscape is imminent in California, set to commence on January 1, as two significant pieces of legislation—AB 1817 and AB 2771—start dictating the use of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. These changes pose significant challenges and responsibilities on businesses within the state and beyond, requiring stringent adherence to avoid liability. PFAS, often labeled as “forever chemicals,” have been a staple in manufacturing for their durability and resistance qualities, finding purposes in a multitude of products including textiles, cosmetics, food packaging, and a variety … Read more