From Bike Safety to Minimum Wage Boost – A Spate of New Laws Go into Effect in California this Year.

From bicycle safety to campus smoking to a boost in minimum wage, the New Year has ushered in some important new laws that will impact consumers on many levels. NBC News Reports on New California Laws

The new bills address a gamut of issues – from healthcare to human resources. A sampling of legislation to go into effect in 2014 includes:

• Drivers must give cyclists a three-foot clearing when passing – when that isn’t possible, motorists must slow down and only pass if there’s ample room. Passing too close to a bicyclist could result in a fine for the driver. New Passing Buffer Zone
• In a ban that includes all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, all ten University of California campuses will now be smoke-free. 
• As of July, the state’s minimum wage goes up to $9, with another hike to $10 per hour as of Jan. 1, 2016. New California Laws
• Students in kindergarten-12 grade will can now choose which restroom or locker room they want based on personal gender identity. Students will also be able to select girls or boys sports as well. New Laws – From Tanning Salons to Pot
• California will now accrue data about long gun purchases, such as shotguns or rifles. Those records were previously destroyed within five days.
• Motorists under the age of 18 are not allowed to use voice recognition software, such as Apple’s “Siri,” to write, send or read a text while driving. DMV Posts New Motoring Laws
• California pharmacists can now administer vaccines, perform patient assessments and order toxicity tests, among other functions. News From Sacramento
• A DUI suspect who will not submit to or fails to complete a blood test can be served a search warrant to draw blood in a “reasonable, medically approved manner.” From Minimum Wage to Plastic Bag Ban