New Year, New Rules

Every year, a ton of new laws take effect in California, including some that could impact your personal and household finances. Here’s a rundown of the changes from Patch California. Keep reading for our takes on some that might get missed…

CHIC (Pearl)

A number of the new rules have to do with consumer protections, including SB 1490, which requires food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats to provide an itemized breakdown of their fees. This law also allows restaurants to remove themselves from delivery apps they never intended to use. And if you’re tired of following the breadcrumbs to cancel subscriptions you no longer want or need, it will be easier starting July 1 thanks to AB 2863, which requires companies like gyms and streaming services to let customers cancel their subscriptions in the same way they subscribed — more often than not with a single click.

GEEK (Kevin)

If you’re a mobile home owner who’s been battling with your HOA or park ownership over solar panels, then SB 1190 should help. This new law clearly stipulates your right to install a solar system just like any other homeowner in an HOA. (A loophole in a 1978 law previously allowed park owners to block you from doing so.) And in other news that could save you money, SB 1061 ensures medical debt is removed from your credit report so you’re “not penalized for the high costs of necessary healthcare," as the Governor’s office said. This law will also prevent lenders from using medical debt against you to deny a loan.

Make your mark!

As we look to the horizon of 2025, it's time to ask: Where will your wanderlust take you? How will you shake things up, lend a hand, and make your mark? What new tricks can you learn, and how can you bring joy to the people around you? You have 365 days and 6,000 waking hours to fill with adventures. Time to get started!