California is starting 2025 with a raft of new laws targeting important issues such as child welfare, collaborative courts, artificial intelligence, and access to justice. The legislative updates underscore the state’s continued efforts toward fairness, transparency, and inclusion in its judicial system. For your information, Angelique Friend, a household name in probate and legal advice, simplifies these important changes for you.

Juvenile Dependency and Child Welfare

Protecting the rights and heritage of Native American children takes center stage with AB 81. Child custody proceedings involving Indian children are now required to comply with the California Indian Child Welfare Act effective immediately. This law requires courts to: 

Investigate the child’s potential Native American heritage at the first court appearance.

– Require litigants to inform the court of any changes in the child’s cultural identity or tribal membership.

California’s focus on cultural preservation and tribal membership will serve to protect the integrity of Native American families.

Collaborative Courts: New Directions for Justice  Collaborative courts, where judicial oversight is combined with rehabilitative services, are being substantially revised:

  1. Drug Treatment Programs (AB 2106):

Courts must now order available drug treatment or education programs for defendants charged with drug offenses, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.  

  1. Youth Court Referrals (SB 1005):  

Probation officers can refer youth to youth courts (with family consent) instead of initiating dependency or wardship petitions.  

  1. Competency Determinations (SB 1323):

Courts can now rely on written assessments from licensed psychologists or psychiatrists to determine competency. Felony defendants who are found incompetent to stand trial can be placed in mental health diversion programs. 4. Revised Drug Court Guidelines (SB 910):  Treatment courts must be consistent with revised state and national guidelines, with the new standards to be developed by January 1, 2026.

  1. Veterans Court Expansion (SB 1025): 

    Felony offenses are now eligible for pretrial diversion programs in veterans court, offering greater support for those who have served. 

These changes reflect California’s commitment to offering second chances and addressing underlying issues that lead to legal challenges. 

Artificial Intelligence: Transparency Takes the Stage

California is the first state in the nation to set a standard for ethical use of artificial intelligence. The CA Transparency Act (SB 942) requires AI-generated content to be identified, thereby building trust and transparency. This law goes into effect on January 1, 2026, but businesses should prepare now.

Courts and Access to Justice

California is enhancing access to justice through several impactful measures:  CARE Act Proceedings (SB 42):  From July 1, 2025, courts are required to continue providing notifications about CARE Act proceedings to original petitioners. This keeps stakeholders informed and engaged.  Remote Proceedings (AB 170):

 

Remote court proceedings will be continued in juvenile and civil cases, with the courtrooms to meet Judicial Council standards and reporting regularly. It balances convenience with accountability.

Other Laws to Note  –

  1. Extended Tenant Deadlines (AB 2347):

Starting January 1, 2025, tenants will have 10 days—double the previous time—to respond to an unlawful detainer summons and complaint. This change, the first since 1971, gives tenants more time to navigate legal proceedings.  2. Elimination of Restitution Fines for Minors (AB 1186):

The new law bars the collection of restitution fines from minors. Balances over 10 years after imposition become uncollectible and unenforceable, lightening the financial load for juvenile offenders. 

Why These Laws Matter 

The California 2025 new laws speak to a promise of fairness, rehabilitation, and transparency. Protecting vulnerable populations, harnessing technology in a responsible manner, and much more: all of these changes reveal a state willing to keep up with changing needs in society.

Angelique Friend is here for you, who with her broad experience in law can guide you through these changes. Whether it’s advice regarding child welfare cases, collaborative court procedures, or even more legal questions, Angelique will keep you abreast of and empowered regarding them.

Get in touch with Angelique Friend for more insight and legal aid.