(And Drag the Entertainment Lawyers with Them)
Peter Law Group
Date: January 24, 2026
Audience: Entertainment and media lawyers, in-house legal teams, production executives, business affairs professionals, and compliance leads
Lights dim, drum roll… enter the California Legislature, throwing new laws around like confetti. An entertainment lawyer (yours truly) looks on, coffee in one hand, stack of legal briefs in the other, with a weary smile.
Welcome to the 2025 edition of “What Fresh Legal Hell Is This?” As a jaded self-proclaimed industry insider, I’m here to walk you through 10 new California laws that are about to make our lives in showbiz law even more exciting (read: complicated). From AI clones of actors to kidfluencer piggy banks, Sacramento has been busy. Grab some popcorn (and maybe a stress ball), and let’s dive into this legal circus—with a dash of humor to stay sane.
1. AB 2602 – Attack of the AI Clones (With Consent Only!)
What it is
California’s new “digital replica” law that says: “No, studios, you can’t replace me with my AI clone unless I said so in the contract—and I better have a lawyer, too.”
Plain English
If your production contract sneaks in a clause letting you use an actor’s AI-generated likeness or voice to do new performances, that clause is unenforceable unless it’s super specific about how you’ll use the digital doppelgänger and the actor either had a lawyer negotiate it or was covered by a union agreement. Essentially, no more blanket “we can use your face throughout the universe forever” clauses. You know that legalese about using an actor’s likeness “in any and all media, now known or hereafter developed, throughout the universe, in perpetuity”? Yeah—that won’t fly for AI replicas now.
Why it’s a circus
As an entertainment lawyer, I now must comb through every contract like Sherlock Holmes, making sure any AI stuff is spelled out clearer than a Marvel movie plot. On the bright side, this law basically forces actors to get a lawyer before signing away AI rights—finally, job security for us lawyers! Studios, meanwhile, are grumbling that their plug-and-play actor bots just got more annoying.
2. AB 1836 – The Ghost Actor Protection Act
What it is
A law that says “Dead actors can’t star in new movies without permission”—think of it as a restraining order against unwanted ghost cameos.
Plain English
This law prohibits unauthorized use of a deceased performer’s digital replica without consent from the estate. Want to resurrect a long-gone star via CGI? Get permission—or face penalties starting at $10,000. Exceptions exist for news, parody, and biographical works.
Why it’s a circus
Congratulations, entertainment lawyers are now part-time ghostbusters. Even the afterlife has representation now.
3. SB 132 – Safety First: The “Rust” Never Sleeps Law
What it is
California’s first state-level film set safety protocols, responding to the Rust tragedy.
Plain English
Real guns and live ammo are largely banned on sets. Certified armorers are mandatory. Safety meetings, training, and documentation are required. Large productions may need a dedicated Safety Supervisor to monitor risks and report to the state.
Why it’s a circus
More safety is good. More paperwork is… a lot. The most dangerous stunt might now be filling out compliance forms incorrectly.
4. SB 988 – Freelancers’ Revenge (Write It Down or Pay Up)
What it is
The Freelance Worker Protection Act—California’s crackdown on handshake deals.
Plain English
Any freelance work over $250 requires a written contract with detailed terms. Late payment can mean double damages. Retaliation is prohibited.
Why it’s a circus
Every tiny gig now needs a contract. Freelancers rejoice; production accountants panic.
5. SB 764 – The “Kidfluencer” Coogan Act 2.0
What it is
A law protecting minors featured in monetized online content.
Plain English
If a child appears in 30% or more of monetized content, 65% of their prorated earnings must be placed in trust. The money belongs to the child—not the parents.
Why it’s a circus
Calculating YouTube analytics just became a legal task. Welcome to toddler trust fund law.
6. AB 1880 – Coogan Law Catches Up with YouTube
What it is
An expansion of Coogan Law to minors employed as online content creators.
Plain English
Brands and studios hiring minors for content must now follow traditional child actor rules, including trust accounts and work permits.
Why it’s a circus
Tech startups are learning they’re now basically Hollywood studios—with paperwork to match.
7. SB 294 – Know Your (Employee) Rights!
What it is
A new “Know Your Rights” notice requirement, plus an odd arrest notification rule.
Plain English
Employers must provide rights notices at hire and annually. If an employee is arrested at work, the employer may need to notify their emergency contact.
Why it’s a circus
Yes, your boss might have to call your mom if you’re arrested on set. California has a law for that now.
8. AB 1138 – Show Me the Money (For Filming in California)
What it is
A major expansion of California’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program.
Plain English
Credits increase up to 35% (and higher with location bonuses), caps are raised, and more projects qualify—including animation and unscripted series.
Why it’s a circus
A rare happy law: more money, more filming, fewer runaway productions.
9. SB 630 – The Sequel: Film Credit Bonus Features
What it is
Companion legislation to AB 1138 focused on jobs, diversity, and accountability.
Plain English
More reporting, more requirements—but still lots of money if you play by the rules.
Why it’s a circus
Free money always comes with strings. At least these strings are worth pulling.
10. AB 2299 – Whistle While You Work (And Read the New Poster)
What it is
A new whistleblower rights posting requirement.
Plain English
Employers must display a large-font notice explaining whistleblower protections and providing the AG’s hotline.
Why it’s a circus
HR walls just got one more poster. Compliance has never been so decorative.
Final Thoughts
Cue the closing credits. If you made it through all ten of these legal updates, congratulations—you’re almost as over-caffeinated and paranoid as the average entertainment lawyer in 2025.
Yes, the workload is heavier. Yes, some rules are baffling. But many of these changes aim to make the industry safer and fairer. And if that means more late nights drafting contracts and compliance checklists? Well—that’s showbiz, baby.
Lights out. Lawyer out. Stay safe and sane out there.
