New in 2025: Building more homes and Supporting more survivors

By Office of Governor Gavin Newsom on January 1, 2025

Building more homes, faster

As the new year soon begins, California continues its forward momentum with a new set of laws signed by Governor Newsom that improve the health, safety, and well-being of all Californians.

“California’s new laws tackle today’s biggest emerging challenges head-on. Through partnership with the Legislature, we’re strengthening public safety, building more housing, and providing more resources for our communities. These practical reforms protect what matters most while creating more opportunities for all Californians.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

Here are just some of the laws taking effect in 2025 that will create more housing for all Californians:

More housing in more communities: SB 1037 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) cracks down on local governments that block or delay approved housing, imposing penalties up to $50,000 per month — funds that go right back into supporting affordable housing in those same areas. Meanwhile, AB 3093 by Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) updates the rules so cities and counties must plan for everyone’s housing needs — especially folks at the lowest income levels — so that all Californians can have a place to live.
Expanding emergency shelter options: SB 1395 by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) makes it easier to develop and operate interim housing, including emergency shelters and navigation centers. These facilities provide more than a place to stay – they connect people with housing assistance, health care, and other services to help them get back on their feet.
Expanding farmworker housing: Every day, California’s farmworkers put food on tables of residents across the state, yet many struggle to find homes near the fields where they work. AB 3035 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) makes it easier to build new farmworker housing in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties, helping agricultural workers live closer to their jobs and spend more time with their families.

Why it matters: By streamlining processes and holding local governments accountable, these changes will create more housing available for Californians across all income levels.

Additional new laws

The legislation adds to California’s ongoing efforts to address the decades-long housing and homelessness crisis and create foundational changes that will build strong communities now and in the future. Click here for a larger list of new laws that strengthen California’s comprehensive effort to streamline housing production, address homelessness, and hold localities accountable to state housing law.

What you need to know: These laws taking effect in 2025 will expand California’s support for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

As the new year soon begins, California continues its forward momentum with a new set of laws signed by Governor Newsom that improve the health, safety, and well-being of all Californians.

“California’s new laws tackle today’s biggest emerging challenges head-on. Through partnership with the Legislature, we’re strengthening public safety, building more housing, and providing more resources for our communities. These practical reforms protect what matters most while creating more opportunities for all Californians.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

Supporting more survivors and strengthening safety

New reforms taking effect in 2025 expand protections and support for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking across the state.

Protecting California youth: SB 1414 by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) toughens penalties for adults who solicit or exploit minors — increasing the circumstances when offenders face mandatory felony charges and/or must register as sex offenders to help safeguard California communities.
Strengthening law enforcement training: SB 989 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) improves how authorities investigate deaths that might involve domestic violence, enabling more families to get answers about loved ones’ deaths.
Improving response to human trafficking survivors: AB 2020 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) requires the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to create guidelines for law enforcement personnel when working with survivors of human trafficking, making sure survivors get consistent, compassionate support.
Emergency room protections: SB 963 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) helps make sure that victims of domestic violence or human trafficking can safely and confidentially self-identify themselves to trained hospital staff that can privately connect them with local support services. This means trained professionals will be available to help at any emergency department in California, with safety, individual privacy, and choices respected every step of the way.
Raising awareness at major events: AB 1966 by Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Oceanside) requires venues hosting major events to provide human trafficking awareness information and reporting resources to help identify and stop trafficking in communities.
Funding victim services: AB 2432 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) creates the California Crime Victims Fund, helping to guarantee more consistent resources for survivors. It also directs fines from corporate white-collar crimes into this fund — giving victims extra support when they need it most.
Making protective orders more accessible and effective: SB 554 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-Campbell) makes it possible for survivors to file for protection wherever they feel safest – whether that’s near their home or where they’ve relocated for safety. AB 2024 by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) streamlines the filing process for restraining orders, while AB 2308 by Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Oceanside) extends domestic violence protective orders for up to 15 years.

Why it matters: These reforms make it easier for survivors to access protection, strengthen enforcement tools, and ensure support services are available when needed.