Written by:

January 1, 2026 Legal Changes

AI election-content disclosure (AB 73): Covered election communications using AI-generated or digitally manipulated material must make a clear, conspicuous disclosure.

Reproductive-health protections (AB 176): The Right to Contraception and Family Planning Services Act restricts government-imposed barriers to covered reproductive services, including contraception, prenatal care, counseling/referrals, and IVF-related care.

Food-delivery platform compliance (AB 116): Delivery platforms must verify that listed food businesses are properly licensed and have an address where food is prepared.

Free IDs for unhoused residents (AB 220): The Department of Health and Human Services may create a free state-ID program for qualifying people experiencing homelessness.

Language access in elections (AB 367): The state must provide election materials and information in its seven most commonly spoken languages, maintain a toll-free interpretation line, and support bilingual election staffing efforts.

Expanded autism-provider authority (SB 257): More healthcare providers may assess and treat autism spectrum disorder within their professional scope, with corresponding insurance-coverage changes.

Stuttering treatment coverage (AB 169): Public and private health plans, including Medicaid, must cover certain speech-language treatment for stuttering for people under 26 without annual caps or cause-based limits.