Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Tuesday signed legislation into law requiring that eggs sold in California come from hens that are not crammed into cages.

The law requires all eggs sold in the state as of Jan. 1, 2015, to come from hens able to stand up, fully extend their limbs, lie down and fully extend their wings without touching each other or the sides of cages.

The new regulations comply with the standards outlined in Proposition 2, which was approved overwhelmingly by voters in 2008.

The measure, which captivated animal welfare advocates, was championed by the Humane Society of the United States as a way to protect hens and improve food safety for consumers.

"Californians have made it clear that they don't want unsafe eggs from hens crammed into cages, and we applaud the Legislature and governor for heeding this call," Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle said in a statement.

-- Robert J. Lopez