California has enacted more than 500 new laws affecting the courts, marking one of the most expansive statutory overhauls in recent years.
The measures—passed in 2025 and taking effect between 2026 and 2027—span immigration, criminal justice, child welfare, civil law, mental health, artificial intelligence, and court operations, with a strong emphasis on access to justice and protection of vulnerable populations.
Among the most closely watched developments is a new legal requirement that federal immigration enforcement officers obtain a court order before entering public areas of sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals, reinforcing California’s position as one of the states offering the strongest legal protections for immigrants in the United States.
Immigration: Expanded Protections in Courts and Beyond
As federal immigration enforcement activity intensified, California courts and lawmakers moved to safeguard fairness and accessibility for immigrant communities.
- SB 281 now requires courts to give a verbatim immigration advisement before accepting a guilty or no-contest plea, ensuring non-citizens are explicitly warned that such pleas may lead to deportation or other immigration consequences.
- AB 1261 mandates state-funded legal counsel for unaccompanied undocumented minors in federal or related state immigration proceedings, with representation provided through nonprofit legal services or public defender offices.
These measures complement broader state protections limiting immigration enforcement activities in sensitive public spaces unless judicial authorization is obtained.
Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Reforms
New laws aim to improve outcomes for children and families navigating the court system:
- AB 779 authorizes a three-year pilot program placing domestic violence consultants alongside county social workers handling cases involving both domestic violence and child maltreatment.
- AB 896 requires counties to adopt placement transition plans for foster youth before changes in placement or reunification.
- SB 119 directs the Office of Child Abuse Prevention to develop a standardized online curriculum for mandated reporters by July 1, 2027.
Court proceedings involving minors will also change. Under AB 651, incarcerated parents must be allowed to attend dependency hearings in person or remotely. The Family Preparedness Act of 2025 expands the definition of “relative” in caregiver authorization affidavits, simplifying care arrangements without formal guardianship.
Criminal Law and Emerging AI Risks
California continues to modernize its criminal justice framework:
- AB 321 allows courts to decide whether a charge proceeds as a felony or misdemeanor at any point before trial, increasing judicial discretion.
- AB 621 expands civil remedies related to AI-generated deepfake pornography, creating a cause of action when the victim depicted is a minor and the creator knew or should have known this fact.
In addition, AB 316 bars defendants from claiming that AI systems they developed or used acted autonomously to escape liability, while SB 524 requires law enforcement agencies to disclose when AI is used in official reports.
Mental Health: Expanded CARE Act Eligibility
Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 27 broadens eligibility for California’s Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, allowing individuals diagnosed with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features to access court-supervised care plans that include treatment and housing support.
Civil Law: Accountability, Housing, and Identity Protections
Several civil law reforms reshape litigation and personal rights:
- AB 250 revives certain sexual assault claims previously barred by statutes of limitations, provided plaintiffs allege institutional cover-ups.
- The Social Security Tenant Protection Act of 2025 allows tenants to cite interrupted Social Security benefits as a temporary defense in eviction proceedings.
- AB 1084 and SB 59 streamline and protect name-change petitions related to gender identity, eliminating objections for adult petitions and making both adult and minor petitions confidential starting July 1, 2026.
Court Operations and Transparency
Operational reforms are designed to modernize court access:
- AB 1524 permits the public to view and copy electronic court records using personal devices at no cost.
- AB 515 standardizes rules for statements of decision in bench trials, regardless of trial length, beginning in 2027.
Traffic and Automated Enforcement
Public safety and enforcement measures were also updated:
- AB 366 extends California’s ignition interlock device program for DUI offenders through 2033.
- SB 720 authorizes automated traffic enforcement systems, issuing civil penalties to vehicles rather than drivers, without affecting driving licenses.
A Broad Shift in Judicial Policy
Collectively, the 2025 laws reflect California’s effort to adapt its courts to technological change, immigration pressures, public safety needs, and evolving civil rights standards, while reinforcing judicial transparency and accountability.
Legal observers say the scope of the reforms will significantly influence court practice nationwide, particularly in areas involving immigration enforcement, AI liability, and access to justice.
