Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
New State Laws That Go Into Effect Today Tackle Health Insurance, Bullying, Tattoo Artists & Foie Gras
Photo by foodforfel via the LAist Featured Photos pool
()
By Amanda Schwartz
Before we all enter into full-on hotdog-and-firework mode, let’s take a little time to relish the workings of our legislative process. Here’s a sampling of some California laws that are coming into effect today. On top of the well-hyped Foiemageddon, we're getting an expanded definition for bullying, increased maternity insurance coverage, better-informed tattoo artists and big red stickers to warn us from buying junky cars.
SB 1520, a.k.a. the foie gras ban, prohibits the "force feed[ing of] a bird for the purpose of enlarging the bird's liver beyond normal size" and the sale of products that are derivative of this process. Authored by John Burton (D-San Francisco), the bill was signed way back in 2004 at the behest of an animal rights coalition. While some companies like Sonoma Foie Gras have consequently been forced to go out of business, many chefs and restaurants are snubbing their noses at the ban and say they still plan to serve the gourmet item after today. Rumor has it regulation of the law will be relaxed, but only time and the palates of gourmands will tell.
We have a few healthcare victories now at the state level. SB 222 now ensures that all women receive maternity coverage regardless of their health insurance policies. Additionally health care insurers must provide coverage for behavioral treatment of autism for children and young adults under the California Mental Health Parity Act.
Support for LAist comes from
One man’s trash, is another car dealer’s responsibility, as AB 1215 comes into effect. Authored by Bob Blumenfield (D-Woodland Hills), car dealers must mark vehicles with bright red warning stickers if they're listed in a national database as junk alerting potential buyers to their salvage or damage history. It also raises the fee dealers can charge for titles and registrations from $55 to $80.
It’s time to call it quits if you’ve been tattooing or piercing without knowing the proper standards of sterilization, sanitation, and safety standards—hopefully that was already a no-brainer. AB 300, authored by Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), imposes minimum standards for sterilizing, sanitizing, and maintaining safety at body piercing, tattoo, and permanent cosmetic businesses.
From adults egging on two kids fighting to the unseemly repercussions of Rebecca Black’s Friday, it seems like California has its host of bullying problems. Now, two laws addressing the issue will hopefully do something about that:
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure. -
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter. -
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500 -
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected. -
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. -
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown.
Best of LAist