New California laws for 2027 that change things for you: the minimum wage rises to $17.40 an hour on January 1; a doctor can't charge a fee to fill out your State Disability Insurance forms (AB 2292); permit fees for a heat pump swap are capped at $150 and $200 (SB 222); if a ticket seller fails to deliver, you're owed 2 times the price (AB 1349); and crypto stolen in a scam can be returned to victims (SB 1208). Already in effect since October 1, 2026: a 3-day right to cancel a used car bought from a dealer for $50,000 or less (SB 766).
The Governor's deadline to sign or veto this year's bills has passed, so the list of new California laws is set. Under the state Constitution a new law takes effect on January 1 after it's signed unless the bill says otherwise. Here are the ones that change something you can act on, each checked against the bill's own text, with what to do before it starts.
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"New California laws for 2027 that can save money: a $17.40 minimum wage, no doctor's fee for disability forms, heat pump permit caps, ticket refunds. What changes and when:"
What changes, and when
| Law | What changes | Starts | Who it helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | California's minimum wage rises to $17.40 an hour. | Jan 1, 2027 | Workers, and families paying a caregiver or house help |
| AB 2292 | A doctor or practitioner can't charge an administrative fee to fill out the certificate for State Disability Insurance, or for a recertification form to keep getting disability benefits. They can still bill for the exam itself and your usual copay. | Jan 1, 2027 | Anyone filing a disability claim |
| SB 222 | Permit fees capped at $150 for a heat pump water heater and $200 for heat pump heating and cooling. Cities must offer inspections without the contractor present by July 1, 2027, and online automated permits by July 1, 2028. | Jan 1, 2027 | Homeowners swapping a gas water heater or AC |
| AB 1349 | No selling tickets the seller doesn't have yet. If a seller or resale site fails to deliver, you're owed 2 times the price plus your nonrefundable costs of trying to go. | Jan 1, 2027 | Concert and game ticket buyers |
| SB 1208 | Money laundering now covers crypto, with a court process to forfeit seized crypto and return it to the people it was stolen from. | Jan 1, 2027 | Victims of crypto scams |
| SB 766 | Buying a used car for $50,000 or less from a dealer comes with a 3-day right to cancel, unless it's been driven more than 400 miles; a restocking fee may apply. | Already in effect (Oct 1, 2026) | Used car buyers |
Bill text read October 13, 2026 on the Legislature's site (AB 2292, Chapter 734; SB 222, Chapter 738; AB 1349, Chapter 474; SB 1208, Chapter 483; SB 766, Chapter 354 of 2025) and the Department of Industrial Relations. E-bike changes have their own page: new e-bike laws.
What to do before January
- Paying a caregiver or house help? Plan for $17.40 an hour in January.
- Filing for disability? If a doctor's office quotes a form fee after January 1, point to AB 2292.
- Thinking about a heat pump? Ask your city its permit fee. Two catches in the bill: cities under 5,000 people are outside the cap (Del Mar has 3,921, per the Census), and any city can charge more if it adopts findings. Heat pumps and mini-splits in San Diego · check a contractor.
- Buying tickets? Buy from the venue or its official seller first; keep receipts for anything you spend getting there.
- Lost money in a crypto scam? Report it now; the new law helps prosecutors return seized funds (Attorney General). Scams aimed at families.
- Buying a used car? Under $50,000 from a dealer, the 3-day cancel right is already here: keep the miles under 400 while you decide. Check it for recalls.
Where PJ helps
PJ, a local in Solana Beach, reads the fine print with you and handles the paperwork and the calls: the permit question to your city, the disability form, the scam report. He doesn't give legal advice. Text PJ.
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Questions people ask
When do new California laws take effect?
On January 1 after they're signed, unless the bill sets another date. Most laws signed in September 2026 start January 1, 2027; some, like SB 766's used car rules, started earlier (October 1, 2026).
What is California's minimum wage in 2027?
$17.40 an hour starting January 1, 2027, per the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Can a doctor charge to fill out a California disability form?
Not an administrative fee, starting in 2027: AB 2292 bars a physician or practitioner from charging one to complete the State Disability Insurance certificate or a recertification form. They can still bill for the exam.
How much is a heat pump permit in California?
SB 222 caps it at $150 for a heat pump water heater and $200 for heat pump heating and cooling, except in cities under 5,000 people and small counties, and where a city adopts findings to charge more.
Can I return a used car in California?
Since October 1, 2026, a dealer selling a used car for $50,000 or less must give a 3-day right to cancel, unless it's been driven more than 400 miles; a restocking fee may apply (SB 766).
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