Starting Tuesday, California will see significant changes that impact various aspects of daily life, including gas prices, travel, and new regulations.
The state’s gas tax will increase slightly, with regular gasoline rising from 59.6 cents to 61.2 cents per gallon and diesel from 45.4 cents to 46.6 cents per gallon. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration has confirmed these adjustments. The low-carbon fuel standard changes may also contribute to higher gas prices, but experts suggest that the recent drop in oil prices could mitigate immediate impacts. Gas Buddy’s Patrick De Haan noted that while the excise tax will increase costs, consumers might observe a temporary decrease in gas prices due to current market conditions.
Currently, Californians are paying nearly 90 cents per gallon in taxes and fees, with the average gas price expected to be around $4.59 per gallon during the Fourth of July weekend.
Additionally, several new laws will come into effect on July 1:
- Healthcare Worker Wages: Some healthcare workers will see their wages rise to as much as $24 per hour.
- Short-Term Rental Regulations: Property owners must now disclose cleaning tasks for guests renting through platforms like Airbnb to avoid penalty fees.
- Subscription Cancellation: New regulations will simplify the cancellation process for unwanted subscriptions, requiring providers to notify consumers before automatic renewals.
- Drink Safety: Restaurants are now required to provide lids for alcoholic beverages when requested by customers to help prevent drink tampering.
- Protections for Domestic Workers: New laws will enhance safety protections for household domestic workers.
