New California Laws That Take Effect In 2013

New laws in California have already started to take effect in the beginning of 2013. Here are some that we thought you should know:

TRANSPORTATION

• Red-light cameras: SB 1303 tightens restrictions on the use of red-light traffic cameras but bolsters their legal underpinnings by stating that evidence from them is not hearsay. (Former Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto)
• Hands-free texting: AB 1536 allows drivers to dictate, send or listen to text messages with a hands-free device. (Former Assemblyman Jeff Miller, R-Corona)
• Motorcycle checkpoints: AB 1047 prohibits local governments from conducting motorcycle-only checkpoints. (Former Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, R-Lake Elsinore)
• Driverless vehicles: SB 1298 permits testing autonomous vehicles – cars that drive themselves – on public roads subject to safety certification and the presence of a human in case of an emergency. (Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Los Angeles)
• Carpool lane exceptions: AB 2405 exempts certain hybrid and other clean-fuel vehicles from paying a toll to use HOT carpool lanes accepting single-occupant vehicles. (Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield, D-Woodland Hills)

CONSUMERS

• Homeowner mortgages: SB 900 and AB 278 are cornerstones of a six-bill package to expand homeowner rights against foreclosure. A key provision bars “dual tracking” by which lenders proceed toward foreclosure while discussing possible loan modifications. (Respectively, Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, and former Assemblyman Mike Eng, D-Monterey Park)
• Vehicle financing: AB 1447 sets basic consumer protections for predatory financing of vehicle sales or leases by dealers, including a minimum 30-day warranty and restrictions on in-person payment requirements and use of electronic devices to track and disable vehicles. (Former Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles)
• Online rent payments: SB 1055 bars landlords from requiring online payments. (Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance)
• Loan protections: SB 978 strengthens laws meant to protect investors and borrowers of “hard money” – a private, high- interest loan secured by steep collateral requirements and generally offered to people unable to qualify for conventional bank loans. (Sen. and Rep.-elect Juan Vargas, D-San Diego)

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/01/01/5085605/new-california-laws.html#storylink=cpy