California’s lawmakers are rolling out significant changes in 2025 to tackle crime and social media’s impact. Starting December 18, 2024, Proposition 36 changes parts of Proposition 47 by making penalties more challenging for repeat theft and drug crimes, letting courts charge felonies after two prior convictions.
Assembly Bill 2655 requires social media sites to remove misleading election content during certain times, and starting in 2026, Assembly Bill 2481 requires platforms to verify “reporters,” such as school staff, to flag threats. Senate Bill 1283 and Assembly Bill 3216 allow school districts to limit how students use social media and smartphones, trying to reduce distractions and online dangers.
How these laws affect you
These new laws change how you might face charges:
- Proposition 36 means if you have two theft convictions already, a third could become a felony, leading to more jail time and higher fines. You must prove your intent or fight evidence linking you to past crimes, making your defense harder.
- With Assembly Bill 2655, if you post misleading election content online and platforms flag it, you could face penalties unless you prove you didn’t mean to mislead.
- Assembly Bill 2481’s reporting system might lead to charges if people think your posts are threats, even if they misread them, forcing you to explain what you meant.
- Senate Bill 1283 and Assembly Bill 3216 could result in school penalties if you’re a student breaking district rules, possibly leading to juvenile court.
Authorities will watch your actions more closely under these laws, especially your digital footprints on social media. Lawyers for the state may use your online activity as proof, so you need to guard your rights. Think about how these changes might affect you. For example, felony theft carries up to three years in prison, while social media violations might mean civil fines or criminal charges.
Why you should consult a lawyer
With these changes, you should consider hiring a lawyer to protect your interests. A legal professional can study the charges, look at evidence such as your social media posts and speak for you in court. Don’t delay—get legal help early to build a strong defense and protect your rights under these changing laws.