Cursive handwriting is now required? Ask the lawyer

Q: California is notorious for passing laws. Our son is in the fourth-grade. He has to learn cursive now — that’s the law? Are there also other new laws we should know about?

B.C., Woodland Hills

A: A new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom requires California schools to teach cursive handwriting to elementary students in the first- through sixth-grades, beginning this month. It had not been a requirement since 2010. Specifically, the law mandates either cursive or joined italics handwriting for elementary students.

There are other topics that have been (and remain) a required topic of instruction for grades one through six. These include English, mathematics and physical education.

As to cursive handwriting, I believe concern arose that young kids often are so computer reliant that focusing on actual handwriting will be a useful and helpful learning tool as well.

Other new laws

This column cannot cover all the new or amended laws that were recently enacted in California, but here are some highlights of interest:

Sick leave: California workers will now receive a minimum of five days of sick leave annually, instead of three, which will accrue once they have been employed for 200 days.

Minimum wage: The minimum wage for fast food workers will increase to $20 per hour in April. There is also an increase for health care workers, who will have a raise in their minimum wage to $25 over the next 10 years.

Book ban: This law prohibits public schools in California from banning any book based on gender and race topics.

Speed cameras: A five-year pilot program will permit speed cameras in Oakland, San Jose, Glendale, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Long Beach. These cameras can be placed in school zones, high-injury roadways and locations known for illegal street racing. The cameras will take a photograph of the driver’s license plate, and the ticket will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Catalytic converters: California law requires a dealer or retailer who accepts, ships or sells used catalytic converters to maintain information about the purchase, including the seller’s driver’s license. There is now an additional element — the device cannot be sold unless it has been permanently marked with its new vehicle identification number (ie, the VIN). This is just one of the changes in the law as efforts continue to clamp down on the marketing of stolen catalytic converters.

Fentanyl distribution: Prison sentences for people convicted of dealing high amounts of fentanyl will (thankfully) increase.

Gender-neutral toys: Gender-neutral toy sections at large retail stores in California are now required.  This will not do away with the girls’ or boys’ sections.  It simply adds a new section.

Ron Sokol has been a practicing attorney for over 40 years, and has also served many times as a judge pro tem, mediator, and arbitrator. It is important to keep in mind that this column presents a summary of the law, and is not to be treated or considered legal advice, let alone a substitute for actual consultation with a qualified professional.

Source: Orange County Register