It's Not Just Pot: California's Legislating Guns, Tampons And Diaper Changes

Free tampons in schools

For many teenage girls, access to tampons and sanitary pads is a given. But for low-income students, a lack of feminine hygiene products impacts their education, said Cristina Garcia, who authored Assembly Bill 10.

Federal prisons required to make tampons available

"I've heard stories from many young girls that struggle with their period on a monthly basis, affecting their schooling, morale, and health," Garcia said.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill into law, meaning public schools with students from grades 6 to 12 which have a 40% student poverty rate must have free feminine hygiene products in restrooms.

Baby-changing tables in men's rooms

Innovative products for new parents

Speaking of restrooms, fathers will no longer struggle to find a place in public facilities to change their babies' diapers.

The passage of Assembly Bill 1127 means shopping malls, sports arenas and other large buildings must have diaper-changing stations in men's restrooms or in places accessible to both men and women.

Some criminals must give up guns

Californians approved Proposition 63, which means anyone convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors must give up their firearms.

In addition, online ammunition purchases will be shipped to a licensed vendor -- not directly to a buyer's home, CNN affiliate KRON reported.

Job protection for parents in small businesses

Millions of parents who work for small businesses will now be able to take 12 weeks off to take care of newborns -- without worrying about losing their jobs for doing so.

What's the right amount of time for parental leave? The New Parent Leave Act gives three months of unpaid maternity. Paternity leave to parents who work at businesses with 20 to 49 employees.

"We are in the midst of a paradigm shift right now, one in which both parents often work and shoulder caregiving responsibilities," said the bill's author, Hannah-Beth Jackson. "No one should have to choose between caring for their newborn and keeping their job."

Sanctuary state status

After a year of controversy over sanctuary cities, California is reinforcing its reputation as a "sanctuary state."

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Both state and local law enforcement agencies will not be allowed to use their funds or personnel to investigate, detain or arrest people for immigration enforcement purposes.

Unofficially called a "sanctuary state" bill, supporters such as the governor said it "prohibits the commandeering of local officials to do the work of immigration agents."

But critics say it limits cooperation between federal agencies and local law enforcement.

Recreational pot

Californians line up to buy pot

In case you've been living under a rock (and not getting stoned), California just legalized recreational marijuana to anyone over the age of 21. That means you don't need a medical card anymore.

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But even though Proposition 64 was approved back in 2016, you might not immediately see pot on store shelves statewide because businesses have to apply for a state license to sell it.