New California Laws Starting July 1 Could Affect Gun Sales, Teens, Even Your Fridge

Bars will have to offer drug testing kits, hotels will have to drop ‘junk fees,’ and renters won’t be paying huge security deposits.

A state law taking effect on July 1 will slap an 11 percent tax on firearms sales. Above, a California-legal AR-15 style rifle for sale at the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Costa Mesa, Calif., on June 5, 2021. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Several new laws affecting a broad spectrum of Californians, from consumers and businesses to health care workers and students, took effect on July 1.

These measures are part of a larger batch of bills signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom during his last legislative session, many of which took effect in January.