Overview

• New laws require prenatal vitamin testing with public disclosure by 2027, mandate reporting of chemicals in disposable tampons and pads, and authorize potential bans on specified chemical hair relaxers by 2030.
• Maternal care measures expand access to alternative birth centers by easing licensing and Medi-Cal reimbursement rules, fund a statewide study of midwifery education, and seed nurse‑midwifery programs within public universities.
• A rural perinatal pilot allows up to five hospitals to provide standby obstetric and neonatal services for up to 10 years, and student parents on public campuses must receive proactive information about available childcare resources.
• SB 258 removes the spousal exception for sexual assault when a partner cannot legally consent due to a mental, developmental, or physical disability, strengthening protections for vulnerable people.
• The governor also signed broader legislation, with the San Francisco Chronicle reporting approval of SB 41 to tighten oversight of pharmacy benefit managers starting in 2026, and he posted separate lists detailing additional bill signings and vetoes.