Now that 2025 is in the rearview mirror, several important new laws take effect this year that will have key impacts on San Joaquin Valley residents.
The Merced FOCUS, with help from CalMatters Digital Democracy and EdSource, has compiled a list that includes some of the top new laws that will impact Valley and California residents in 2026.
According to CalMatters, lawmakers passed a total 917 bills in 2025 and Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed 123 of them. Most of the ones he signed took effect on Jan. 1.
California minimum wage increasing
The hourly minimum wage in California increased to $16.90 on Jan. 1…