Happy New Year. Below, please find summaries of some new laws that took effect in California on January 1, 2013.
Hands-Free Texting
Drivers are allowed to dictate, send or listen to text messages with a hands-free device. However, some experts still warn that it is dangerous to do so because it is a distraction.
Employer Access to Employee Social Media Accounts
Employers are prohibited from demanding a worker’s or an applicant’s user name or password for social media. However, if any of your social media profiles are in the public domain, your employer may still see what you posted on your accounts.
Electronic Proof of insurance
Drivers pulled over by police are permitted to show officers their proof of insurance on an electronic device, such as a smartphone. If you are going store your proof on a smartphone, it is a good idea to have the proof on the phone already rather than download it after you get pulled over.
Sale of Home-Cooked Food
You may sell certain homemade foods and baked goods, including bread, fruit pies, jams and dried nuts, to stores, to restaurants and directly to consumers. However, there are restrictions and health department standards that must be followed.
Employment Discrimination Based on Religious Garb
Employers may not shunt Sikh and Muslim employees to work areas out of public view for wearing clothing or hairstyles, such as turbans, hijabs or beards, because of their religious beliefs. This law is most likely in response to the discrimination lawsuit recently brought against Disneyland.
For more information on how these laws affect you or your business, please contact Bruno & Perez at (213) 986-6169 or info@brunoandperez.com.