Attention families: These 3 surprising law changes in 2025 could impact your wallet – Find out how!
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As 2025 begins, families across the United States, especially in California, will experience some significant shifts in the law that could affect their finances in unexpected ways.
The Golden State, known for its progressive approach to policy-making, is rolling out new legislation that could impact everything from paid family leave to how medical debt is handled.
Here at The GrayVine, we know how overwhelming keeping track of all the changes can be.
That’s why we’re here to break down these important updates in simple terms so you can understand what’s coming – and how it could affect your finances.
1. A Boost in Paid Family Leave and Disability Benefits
One of the biggest changes to look out for is California’s expansion of paid family leave and disability benefits. Starting on January 1, 2025, the salary replacement rate will jump from 60–70% to 70–90%, thanks to Senate Bill 951 (SB 951), introduced by Senator Maria Elena Durazo.
What does this mean for you? If you’re caring for a new grandchild, recovering from surgery, or helping a loved one through a health crisis, this new law offers extra financial support during those important moments.
No longer will you have to choose between taking care of your family and worrying about your paycheck. Plus, this new law makes it illegal for employers to force employees to use up their vacation time before they can access paid family leave.
It’s a win for anyone trying to balance work, family, and life’s most critical moments.
2. Protecting the Piggy Banks of Child Influencers
With more and more children gaining popularity on social media and earning money from their online presence, California is stepping up to protect their earnings.
Thanks to Assembly Bill 1880 and Senate Bill 764, the state has extended the protections of the Coogan Act (which was originally meant for child actors) to these young influencers.
What’s the big deal? Now, parents or guardians are required to set aside a portion of their child’s earnings from social media in a trust. This ensures that when these young stars grow up, they won’t be left without the savings they earned as kids.
It’s a forward-thinking move to make sure their financial futures are secure and protected from the risk of financial exploitation.
3. Medical Debt Won’t Hurt Your Credit Score
Finally, Senate Bill 1061 is a huge relief for families dealing with medical debt. Starting in 2025, medical debt will no longer appear on your credit report, meaning it can’t impact your credit score.
For many families, this is a welcome change. In the past, unpaid medical bills could hurt your ability to secure loans, buy a home, or even rent a car.
But with this new law, families can focus on recovery without the added stress of how medical debt will affect their financial future.
It’s a compassionate approach that ensures your health doesn’t leave a lasting mark on your credit.
Why These Changes Matter to You
These three new laws may seem like small details at first, but they could have a big impact on your daily life.
Whether it’s securing paid family leave when you need it most, ensuring your grandkids’ earnings are protected, or making sure medical debt doesn’t ruin your financial reputation, these changes are designed to make life a little easier for families everywhere.
As we continue to navigate through life, it’s important to stay informed about how new laws can affect us. These updates reflect a society that is becoming more aware of the challenges families face and is trying to provide more support.
Understanding how these laws work for you can help ensure that you take full advantage of the protections and benefits they offer.
What do you think of these changes? Do you or your family members plan to take advantage of the new paid family leave benefits? Have you ever had to deal with medical debt and felt the strain it put on your finances? Or maybe you’re a parent or grandparent of a young online star and want to know more about setting up a trust? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—drop a comment below!
Also read: Upcoming laws set to impact you in 2025—prepare for change
The Golden State, known for its progressive approach to policy-making, is rolling out new legislation that could impact everything from paid family leave to how medical debt is handled.
Here at The GrayVine, we know how overwhelming keeping track of all the changes can be.
That’s why we’re here to break down these important updates in simple terms so you can understand what’s coming – and how it could affect your finances.
2025 brings new laws to support families—here’s how these changes could help secure your financial future. Image Source: Pexels / Lukas.
1. A Boost in Paid Family Leave and Disability Benefits
One of the biggest changes to look out for is California’s expansion of paid family leave and disability benefits. Starting on January 1, 2025, the salary replacement rate will jump from 60–70% to 70–90%, thanks to Senate Bill 951 (SB 951), introduced by Senator Maria Elena Durazo.
What does this mean for you? If you’re caring for a new grandchild, recovering from surgery, or helping a loved one through a health crisis, this new law offers extra financial support during those important moments.
No longer will you have to choose between taking care of your family and worrying about your paycheck. Plus, this new law makes it illegal for employers to force employees to use up their vacation time before they can access paid family leave.
It’s a win for anyone trying to balance work, family, and life’s most critical moments.
2. Protecting the Piggy Banks of Child Influencers
With more and more children gaining popularity on social media and earning money from their online presence, California is stepping up to protect their earnings.
Thanks to Assembly Bill 1880 and Senate Bill 764, the state has extended the protections of the Coogan Act (which was originally meant for child actors) to these young influencers.
What’s the big deal? Now, parents or guardians are required to set aside a portion of their child’s earnings from social media in a trust. This ensures that when these young stars grow up, they won’t be left without the savings they earned as kids.
It’s a forward-thinking move to make sure their financial futures are secure and protected from the risk of financial exploitation.
Protecting the future: New laws ensure online earnings from child influencers are safely secured for their future. Image Source: Pexels / Julia M Cameron.
3. Medical Debt Won’t Hurt Your Credit Score
Finally, Senate Bill 1061 is a huge relief for families dealing with medical debt. Starting in 2025, medical debt will no longer appear on your credit report, meaning it can’t impact your credit score.
For many families, this is a welcome change. In the past, unpaid medical bills could hurt your ability to secure loans, buy a home, or even rent a car.
But with this new law, families can focus on recovery without the added stress of how medical debt will affect their financial future.
It’s a compassionate approach that ensures your health doesn’t leave a lasting mark on your credit.
Why These Changes Matter to You
These three new laws may seem like small details at first, but they could have a big impact on your daily life.
Whether it’s securing paid family leave when you need it most, ensuring your grandkids’ earnings are protected, or making sure medical debt doesn’t ruin your financial reputation, these changes are designed to make life a little easier for families everywhere.
As we continue to navigate through life, it’s important to stay informed about how new laws can affect us. These updates reflect a society that is becoming more aware of the challenges families face and is trying to provide more support.
Understanding how these laws work for you can help ensure that you take full advantage of the protections and benefits they offer.
What do you think of these changes? Do you or your family members plan to take advantage of the new paid family leave benefits? Have you ever had to deal with medical debt and felt the strain it put on your finances? Or maybe you’re a parent or grandparent of a young online star and want to know more about setting up a trust? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—drop a comment below!
Also read: Upcoming laws set to impact you in 2025—prepare for change
