New California laws on affirmative consent

California law, passed by the Legislature in December 2016, allows students and college employees to request consent for sexual activity.

The law, however, requires that consent be given “in a way that does not require, or involve, the victim being physically assaulted.”

The law also requires colleges to post “clear and conspicuous” signs that say “No Means No.”

Lawmakers debated the law in March, arguing that the law is needed to combat sexual assault.

In April, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Torrance, asked the Office of the Attorney General to study how to better enforce affirmative consent laws.

He was supported by two other legislators: Assemblyman John Fasano, R-Oakland, and Assemblywoman Julie Christensen, R.I.