Five Bills Gov. Newsom Signed Into Law Last Week You Should Know About

July 22, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed five significant bills into California law, most of which will take effect on January 1, 2026. These new laws address diverse issues including preventing insurance lapses during divorces, extending financial aid deadlines for students, requiring mental health training for teachers, allowing food trucks to sell beer, and expanding food options for CalFresh beneficiaries. The legislation aims to protect vulnerable Californians, support students facing application delays, address youth mental health concerns, boost small business opportunities, and provide more dignity and choice for food assistance recipients.

Who is affected

Divorcing or separating couples and their families who rely on insurance coverage
California students applying for Cal Grants, Middle Class Scholarship, and other financial aid programs
Teachers seeking credentials and the youth they serve who experience mental health challenges
Food truck owners, beer manufacturers, and wholesalers
CalFresh recipients, particularly those who would benefit from access to hot prepared foods
Elderly and disabled people who use the Restaurant Meals Program

What action is being taken

The California Student Aid Commission is now permitted to extend financial aid application deadlines by up to 30 days upon formal request
Teacher credentialing requirements are being expanded to include youth mental health training
Beer manufacturers and wholesalers can now sell beer to food trucks and similar mobile vendors
California's Department of Social Services is mandated to maximize all food choices for CalFresh users
Parties in divorce proceedings are being prohibited from allowing insurance policies to lapse by not paying premiums

Why it matters

AB 1297 protects families from losing essential insurance coverage during divorce proceedings
AB 313 prevents students from losing financial aid due to circumstances beyond their control like natural disasters or FAFSA system delays
AB 1034 addresses California's youth mental health crisis by ensuring teachers can recognize signs of distress
AB 233 supports economic activity and benefits small business owners across the state
AB 553 provides more dignity, choice, and flexibility for millions of Californians relying on CalFresh

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint