New California laws: Gas prices, chatbots, gun safety among things impacted by legislation taking effect in July

ByJuan Carlos Guerrero KGO logo

Monday, July 1, 2019

Are you speaking to a chatbot? There's a new law for that

Among the new laws taking effect in July is one that requires companies to disclose if a customer is communicating with a chatbot or automated system.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Many new laws are taking effect in California on July 1, 2019. They affect gas prices, put chatbots on notice, regulate police body cameras and restrict ammunition sales. Here are some of the ones that will have a greater impact on our lives.

BOTS DISCLOSURE (Senate Bill 1001)

Your next online chat with a customer service department will likely begin with the words "Hi, I'm a bot." Beginning in July, companies must disclose if a customer is communicating with an automated system or "bot" either by telephone, website or social network. The intent is to cut down on fraud or deception by companies selling goods or trying to influence a person's vote in an election.

GAS TAX INCREASE (Senate Bill 1)

California's gas tax increases by nearly six cents per gallon to more than 60 cents per gallon, making it the highest in the nation. The increase is expected to generate nearly $54 billion in revenue over a decade. Last November, California voters rejected a statewide proposition to repeal the gas tax increase.

POLICE BODY CAMERAS (Assembly Bill 748)

Police departments in California will be required to release video and audio from body cameras within 45 days of an incident. The law applies only to cases when an officer fires a weapon or there is use of force that results in death or serious injured to another person.

BACKGROUND CHECKS (Proposition 63)

Anyone who wants to buy ammunition will be required to undergo an instant background check for felony convictions. The background check will cost $1 for each transaction. It does not limit the amount of ammunition a person is allowed to purchase.

HUNTING AMMUNITION (Assembly Bill 711)

Deadline to implement statewide ban on hunting ammunition that contains lead. A list of certified nonlead ammunition is posted on the California Fish and Game Commission website. Wildlife officers will be allowed to check a hunter's possessions to verify they are carrying nonlead ammunition. Lead ammunition can be recycled at shooting ranges or used for target practice.

MARIJUANA CONVICTIONS (Assembly Bill 1793)

The Department of Justice has until July 1, 2019, to review records and identify past marijuana convictions that may be stricken because the offense is now legal under Proposition 64, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana. San Francisco and Los Angeles County have already expunged more than 63,000 marijuana convictions.

DOCTOR DISCLOSURE (Senate Bill 1448)

Medical providers - such as physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists and surgeons - must notify patients before beginning treatment if they have been placed on probation for violations like gross negligence, substance abuse, sexual misconduct or inappropriately prescribing medications. Medical providers on probation can continue practicing under restricted conditions.

FOR-PROFIT CHARTER SCHOOLS (Assembly Bill 406)

The law, signed by Governor Jerry Brown last year, bans for-profit charter schools in California. As of last year, there were only about 34 charter schools owned or heavily connected to for-profit companies. The list includes California Virtual Academies (CAVA), an online school affiliated with K12 Inc., a charter school operator with revenue of nearly $1 billion dollars annually.

SCHOOL MEALS (Assembly Bill 1871)

Beginning in the new academic year, charter schools will have to provide low-income students with one free or reduced-price meal. It is estimated that charter schools in California serve more than 340,000 low-income students.

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