Several New Bills Were Signed Into Law; Here Are Some of the Most Important.
According to KTLA, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed 770 bills into law during the 2021 session. Many of those that were signed into law took effect on January 1, 2022.
As noted by the news source, some of the most interesting laws to take effect this year include slower speed limits, a pilot program that allows people to collect roadkill for consumption, and the prohibition of rubber bullets and tear gas used to disperse crowds.
Lower Speed Limits
Californians may see speed limits lowered in cities throughout the state within the next few years. The law, which gives cities more control over the speed limit on their local roads, was signed by Governor Newsom on October 8, 2021, and went into effect this year.
Assembly Bill No. 43 allows local authorities to consider additional factors beyond engineering and traffic surveys to determine a safe speed limit.
Wild Savage Permits Pilot Program
A new pilot program would allow the Fish and Game Commission to issue wildlife salvage permits through a web-based portal. The permit would allow a person to collect and consume wild game (deer, elk, antelope, or wild pig) that is killed in an accidental collision. Senate Bill 395 was signed into law in 2019 and took effect this year.
No More Rubber Bullets
Assembly Bill No. 48 signed into law in September 2021, limits the use of certain kinds of force such as rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a crowd. According to the bill, law enforcement agencies would no longer be able to use “kinetic energy projectiles” or “chemical agents” to disperse any “assembly, protest, or demonstration,” with limited exceptions.
Next month, we will discuss other new laws, including the controversial Senate Bill 10 and additional gun laws.
