Small business and hospitality legislation in the California Legislature, 2025–26.

A policy research snapshot for small business organizations. Discuss the current status, deadlines, and implications of a specific measure with the firm before acting.

On the Governor's desk.

All small business briefs

SB 542EnrolledTribal gaming: compact ratification. Senator Limón. 47 support, 0 oppose.
AB 1605EnrolledDriving under the influence: alcohol sales. Assemblymember Ransom. 29 support, 12 oppose.
AB 1088EnrolledPublic health: kratom. Assemblymember Bains. 22 support, 12 oppose.
SB 1314EnrolledCigarette or tobacco product retailers: new retail locations and sale of nitrous oxide. Senator Menjivar. 27 support, 6 oppose.
SB 329GovernorAlcohol and drug recovery: licensed treatment facilities and certified programs: investigations. Senator Blakespear. 32 support, 0 oppose.
SB 490GovernorAlcohol and drug programs. Senator Umberg. 20 support, 3 oppose.
AB 2667GovernorVape products: household hazardous waste: advertising. Assemblymember Hadwick. 23 support, 0 oppose.
AB 1826EnrolledCannabis: recall, embargo, and destruction of cannabis and cannabis products. Assemblymember Lackey. 22 support, 0 oppose.
AB 1915EnrolledAccelerated restaurant equipment permitting approval: retail food safety. Assemblymember Gabriel. 16 support, 2 oppose.
AB 2249EnrolledCannabis: labels, packaging, and advertising. Assemblymember Irwin. 7 support, 10 oppose.
SB 869GovernorRestaurant menus: added sugar warnings. Senator Weber Pierson. 15 support, 0 oppose.
AB 1579EnrolledTribal gaming: compact ratification. Assemblymember Valencia. 13 support, 0 oppose.

Bills and budget items, 2025–26 session.

AB 2173BillRegulatory transparency for regulated hospitality businesses. Supported publicly through the Capitol Business Alliance. Supported.
AB 2663BillAlcohol-to-go flexibility for restaurants. Extends alcohol-to-go flexibility for restaurants. Supported publicly through the Capitol Business Alliance. Supported.
AB 2731BillLiquor license barriers for local restaurants. Reduces barriers for local restaurants seeking liquor licenses. Supported publicly through the Capitol Business Alliance. Supported.
2026 wage floorsBillMinimum wage schedules. State minimum wage $16.90; fast food $20; layered local ordinances. In effect; compliance and cost advocacy.

Where these bills are heard.

Assembly and Senate Governmental Organization CommitteesAlcohol, gaming, and hospitality policy.
Revenue and Taxation Committees; GO-BizTax incentives and economic development programs.
Assembly Local Government; Senate Local GovernmentPermitting, zoning, and land use as they affect operators.

Deadlines that decide a small business bill.

Bill introduction closes in February. Policy committees must act by spring deadlines, appropriations committees hold suspense hearings in May and August, and each house must pass its own bills by the house-of-origin deadline. Session ends August 31 of the second year, and the Governor has thirty days to sign or veto. A position that arrives after the committee analysis is written has already missed the most important reader.

Ask the small business group about a bill Agencies and rulemakings

Discuss your California
policy priorities.

Tell us what is changing for your organization.
We’ll discuss the representation and scope you need.