Consumer Protection

Image for Financial institutions.

Financial institutions.

Updates contact information requirements for money transmission businesses to file consumer complaints. Requires notices to be posted in English and the primary language used for business at each location. Allows alternative notice formats for money transmission services conducted through websites or mobile apps. Eliminates an outdated 2007 reporting requirement for deferred deposit transactions.

Financial institutions.

Image for Financial institutions.

Updates contact information requirements for money transmission businesses to file consumer complaints. Requires notices to be posted in English and the primary language used for business at each location. Allows alternative notice formats for money transmission services conducted through websites or mobile apps. Eliminates an outdated 2007 reporting requirement for deferred deposit transactions.

Image for State government.

State government.

Restructures the Consumer Privacy Fund by creating three new subfunds to manage fines and grants for privacy enforcement. Requires state agencies to submit legislative reports electronically rather than in printed form. Establishes the Climate Catalyst Revolving Fund to provide financing for climate-related projects through 2031. Expands eligibility for the California HOPE Trust Account to include adults whose parents died from COVID-19.

State government.

Image for State government.

Restructures the Consumer Privacy Fund by creating three new subfunds to manage fines and grants for privacy enforcement. Requires state agencies to submit legislative reports electronically rather than in printed form. Establishes the Climate Catalyst Revolving Fund to provide financing for climate-related projects through 2031. Expands eligibility for the California HOPE Trust Account to include adults whose parents died from COVID-19.

Image for Attorneys: unlawful solicitations and advertisements.

Attorneys: unlawful solicitations and advertisements.

Expands regulations on attorney advertising to prohibit misleading claims about skills and experience. Authorizes civil lawsuits with penalties up to $100,000 for deceptive legal advertisements. Requires attorney ads to clearly display the lawyer's name and office location. Mandates withdrawal of violating advertisements within 72 hours of State Bar notification.

Attorneys: unlawful solicitations and advertisements.

Image for Attorneys: unlawful solicitations and advertisements.

Expands regulations on attorney advertising to prohibit misleading claims about skills and experience. Authorizes civil lawsuits with penalties up to $100,000 for deceptive legal advertisements. Requires attorney ads to clearly display the lawyer's name and office location. Mandates withdrawal of violating advertisements within 72 hours of State Bar notification.

Image for California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt-out preference signal.

California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt-out preference signal.

Requires web browsers to include easy-to-find settings for opting out of personal data sharing. Mandates browser companies to clearly explain how their opt-out settings work and what data they protect. Authorizes the California Privacy Protection Agency to create and enforce implementation rules.

California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt-out preference signal.

Image for California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt-out preference signal.

Requires web browsers to include easy-to-find settings for opting out of personal data sharing. Mandates browser companies to clearly explain how their opt-out settings work and what data they protect. Authorizes the California Privacy Protection Agency to create and enforce implementation rules.

Image for Pornographic internet websites: consent.

Pornographic internet websites: consent.

Requires pornographic websites to verify consent from all individuals depicted in sexually explicit content before upload. Mandates users to certify all depicted individuals are adults who consented to being shown and uploaded. Imposes fines up to $75,000 per violation for websites that fail to protect against non-consensual content. Requires websites to verify user email addresses and maintain consent records for seven years.

Pornographic internet websites: consent.

Image for Pornographic internet websites: consent.

Requires pornographic websites to verify consent from all individuals depicted in sexually explicit content before upload. Mandates users to certify all depicted individuals are adults who consented to being shown and uploaded. Imposes fines up to $75,000 per violation for websites that fail to protect against non-consensual content. Requires websites to verify user email addresses and maintain consent records for seven years.

Image for FAIR Plan policy notices and renewals.

FAIR Plan policy notices and renewals.

Requires insurance brokers to explore moving FAIR Plan policies to standard insurance companies before renewal. Mandates the FAIR Plan to provide annual notices informing policyholders about alternative coverage options. Requires notices to be printed in 14-point bold font on a separate page from other documents.

FAIR Plan policy notices and renewals.

Image for FAIR Plan policy notices and renewals.

Requires insurance brokers to explore moving FAIR Plan policies to standard insurance companies before renewal. Mandates the FAIR Plan to provide annual notices informing policyholders about alternative coverage options. Requires notices to be printed in 14-point bold font on a separate page from other documents.

Image for Price gouging.

Price gouging.

Extends price gouging protections from 30 to 60 days after declaring a state of emergency. Increases fines to $25,000 for businesses that raise prices more than 10% during emergencies. Expands rental price controls to all residential and commercial properties during emergencies. Prohibits landlords from evicting tenants to charge higher rents during emergency periods.

Price gouging.

Image for Price gouging.

Extends price gouging protections from 30 to 60 days after declaring a state of emergency. Increases fines to $25,000 for businesses that raise prices more than 10% during emergencies. Expands rental price controls to all residential and commercial properties during emergencies. Prohibits landlords from evicting tenants to charge higher rents during emergency periods.

Image for Insurance Consumer Privacy Protection Act of 2025.

Insurance Consumer Privacy Protection Act of 2025.

Establishes new privacy standards requiring insurance companies to protect and limit use of consumer data. Requires insurers to obtain consumer consent before sharing personal data for non-insurance purposes. Mandates clear privacy notices explaining how consumer data is collected, used and shared. Authorizes penalties up to $1 million for privacy violations and creates criminal penalties for data theft.

Insurance Consumer Privacy Protection Act of 2025.

Image for Insurance Consumer Privacy Protection Act of 2025.

Establishes new privacy standards requiring insurance companies to protect and limit use of consumer data. Requires insurers to obtain consumer consent before sharing personal data for non-insurance purposes. Mandates clear privacy notices explaining how consumer data is collected, used and shared. Authorizes penalties up to $1 million for privacy violations and creates criminal penalties for data theft.

Image for Conspiracy against trade: punishment.

Conspiracy against trade: punishment.

Increases maximum fines for corporate antitrust violations from $1 million to $6 million. Extends prison terms for individual violators to up to 5 years and raises individual fines to $1 million. Establishes new civil penalties of up to $1 million per violation based on severity and circumstances. Allows penalties to be combined with other state law remedies for enhanced enforcement.

Conspiracy against trade: punishment.

Image for Conspiracy against trade: punishment.

Increases maximum fines for corporate antitrust violations from $1 million to $6 million. Extends prison terms for individual violators to up to 5 years and raises individual fines to $1 million. Establishes new civil penalties of up to $1 million per violation based on severity and circumstances. Allows penalties to be combined with other state law remedies for enhanced enforcement.

Image for California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: sensitive personal information.

California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: sensitive personal information.

Removes the public availability exception for sensitive personal information under California privacy laws. Requires businesses to protect all sensitive personal information regardless of its public status. Expands privacy protections by treating all sensitive personal information consistently under state law. Takes effect immediately upon enactment with no delayed implementation period.

California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: sensitive personal information.

Image for California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: sensitive personal information.

Removes the public availability exception for sensitive personal information under California privacy laws. Requires businesses to protect all sensitive personal information regardless of its public status. Expands privacy protections by treating all sensitive personal information consistently under state law. Takes effect immediately upon enactment with no delayed implementation period.

Image for Crimes: invasion of privacy.

Crimes: invasion of privacy.

Exempts businesses from privacy laws when collecting customer data for legitimate commercial purposes. Increases penalties up to $10,000 for unauthorized recording of private communications. Allows consumers to opt out of having their personal information processed by businesses. Maintains existing privacy protections against non-commercial surveillance and recording.

Crimes: invasion of privacy.

Image for Crimes: invasion of privacy.

Exempts businesses from privacy laws when collecting customer data for legitimate commercial purposes. Increases penalties up to $10,000 for unauthorized recording of private communications. Allows consumers to opt out of having their personal information processed by businesses. Maintains existing privacy protections against non-commercial surveillance and recording.

Image for Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.

Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.

Requires state licensing boards to provide free interpreters for non-English speaking license exam applicants by July 2026. Mandates that interpreters must be fluent in both languages and have no prior connection to the licensed profession. Requires boards to post interpreter availability notices in 11 languages on their websites. Establishes annual reporting requirements on applicant language preferences starting January 2029.

Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.

Image for Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.

Requires state licensing boards to provide free interpreters for non-English speaking license exam applicants by July 2026. Mandates that interpreters must be fluent in both languages and have no prior connection to the licensed profession. Requires boards to post interpreter availability notices in 11 languages on their websites. Establishes annual reporting requirements on applicant language preferences starting January 2029.

Image for Digital financial assets.

Digital financial assets.

Establishes a process for unclaimed digital financial assets to transfer to state ownership after three years of inactivity. Requires financial institutions to notify owners 6-12 months before their digital assets are transferred to the state. Authorizes the state to select licensed custodians to manage and safeguard transferred digital assets. Mandates holders with private keys to transfer digital assets to the state upon escheatment.

Digital financial assets.

Image for Digital financial assets.

Establishes a process for unclaimed digital financial assets to transfer to state ownership after three years of inactivity. Requires financial institutions to notify owners 6-12 months before their digital assets are transferred to the state. Authorizes the state to select licensed custodians to manage and safeguard transferred digital assets. Mandates holders with private keys to transfer digital assets to the state upon escheatment.

Image for Department of Consumer Affairs: licensing: applicants who are descendants of slaves.

Department of Consumer Affairs: licensing: applicants who are descendants of slaves.

Requires state licensing boards to expedite applications from certified descendants of American slaves. Takes effect only after Senate Bill 518 establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery. Automatically expires four years after implementation or by January 1, 2032, whichever comes first.

Department of Consumer Affairs: licensing: applicants who are descendants of slaves.

Image for Department of Consumer Affairs: licensing: applicants who are descendants of slaves.

Requires state licensing boards to expedite applications from certified descendants of American slaves. Takes effect only after Senate Bill 518 establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery. Automatically expires four years after implementation or by January 1, 2032, whichever comes first.

Image for Self-service storage facilities: rental agreement disclosures.

Self-service storage facilities: rental agreement disclosures.

Requires storage facilities to disclose rental terms and fees prominently on the first page of agreements by 2026. Mandates clear disclosure of promotional rates and their duration in storage rental contracts. Requires facilities to specify the maximum rental fee possible during the first 12 months of storage. Establishes detailed steps for contract termination and property removal in storage agreements.

Self-service storage facilities: rental agreement disclosures.

Image for Self-service storage facilities: rental agreement disclosures.

Requires storage facilities to disclose rental terms and fees prominently on the first page of agreements by 2026. Mandates clear disclosure of promotional rates and their duration in storage rental contracts. Requires facilities to specify the maximum rental fee possible during the first 12 months of storage. Establishes detailed steps for contract termination and property removal in storage agreements.

Image for California Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act of 2025.

California Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act of 2025.

Prohibits businesses from using pricing algorithms that process competitor data to set prices or terms. Establishes penalties up to $25,000 per violation for algorithmic price collusion. Requires companies to conduct due diligence before using pricing algorithm recommendations. Authorizes state and local prosecutors to pursue civil actions against violators.

California Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act of 2025.

Image for California Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act of 2025.

Prohibits businesses from using pricing algorithms that process competitor data to set prices or terms. Establishes penalties up to $25,000 per violation for algorithmic price collusion. Requires companies to conduct due diligence before using pricing algorithm recommendations. Authorizes state and local prosecutors to pursue civil actions against violators.

Image for Residential property insurance images.

Residential property insurance images.

Requires insurers to notify homeowners before collecting aerial images of their insured properties. Prohibits insurers from using aerial images older than 180 days to cancel coverage without verification. Grants homeowners the right to dispute aerial images and verify remediation before coverage termination. Takes effect July 1, 2026 and applies to all residential property insurance policies in California.

Residential property insurance images.

Image for Residential property insurance images.

Requires insurers to notify homeowners before collecting aerial images of their insured properties. Prohibits insurers from using aerial images older than 180 days to cancel coverage without verification. Grants homeowners the right to dispute aerial images and verify remediation before coverage termination. Takes effect July 1, 2026 and applies to all residential property insurance policies in California.

Image for Contractors: civil penalties.

Contractors: civil penalties.

Increases minimum penalties for unlicensed contractor violations from $200 to $1,500 starting July 2026. Authorizes the Contractors State License Board to adjust penalty amounts for inflation every five years. Doubles the Board's maximum reserve fund from 6 to 12 months of annual expenditures. Establishes new minimum penalties of $500 for general contractor violations and $1,500 for serious infractions.

Contractors: civil penalties.

Image for Contractors: civil penalties.

Increases minimum penalties for unlicensed contractor violations from $200 to $1,500 starting July 2026. Authorizes the Contractors State License Board to adjust penalty amounts for inflation every five years. Doubles the Board's maximum reserve fund from 6 to 12 months of annual expenditures. Establishes new minimum penalties of $500 for general contractor violations and $1,500 for serious infractions.

Image for Consumer credit report: sale of property: natural disasters.

Consumer credit report: sale of property: natural disasters.

Prohibits credit agencies from reporting property sales forced by natural disasters that made homes uninhabitable. Prevents lenders from using disaster-related property sales as a negative factor in credit decisions. Expands existing credit reporting protections that already cover medical debt and certain legal matters.

Consumer credit report: sale of property: natural disasters.

Image for Consumer credit report: sale of property: natural disasters.

Prohibits credit agencies from reporting property sales forced by natural disasters that made homes uninhabitable. Prevents lenders from using disaster-related property sales as a negative factor in credit decisions. Expands existing credit reporting protections that already cover medical debt and certain legal matters.

Image for Privacy: health data: location and research.

Privacy: health data: location and research.

Makes technical changes to privacy laws regarding health data collection and location tracking.

Privacy: health data: location and research.

Image for Privacy: health data: location and research.

Makes technical changes to privacy laws regarding health data collection and location tracking.

Image for Consumers: financial protection.

Consumers: financial protection.

Expands state financial regulators' authority to enforce rules against deceptive practices by licensed entities. Maintains existing licensing exemptions while adding consumer protection enforcement oversight. Allows regulators to investigate financial misconduct regardless of an entity's license status.

Consumers: financial protection.

Image for Consumers: financial protection.

Expands state financial regulators' authority to enforce rules against deceptive practices by licensed entities. Maintains existing licensing exemptions while adding consumer protection enforcement oversight. Allows regulators to investigate financial misconduct regardless of an entity's license status.

Image for Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Real Estate: states of emergency: waivers and exemptions.

Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Real Estate: states of emergency: waivers and exemptions.

Authorizes state agencies to waive licensing requirements for professionals impacted by declared emergencies. Requires contractors performing disaster debris removal to have specific licenses and hazardous material training. Prohibits real estate agents from making below-market offers to property owners in disaster areas. Mandates the Real Estate Commissioner to monitor and report fraudulent practices during emergencies.

Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Real Estate: states of emergency: waivers and exemptions.

Image for Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Real Estate: states of emergency: waivers and exemptions.

Authorizes state agencies to waive licensing requirements for professionals impacted by declared emergencies. Requires contractors performing disaster debris removal to have specific licenses and hazardous material training. Prohibits real estate agents from making below-market offers to property owners in disaster areas. Mandates the Real Estate Commissioner to monitor and report fraudulent practices during emergencies.

Image for Preventing Algorithmic Price Fixing Act: prohibition on certain price-setting algorithm uses.

Preventing Algorithmic Price Fixing Act: prohibition on certain price-setting algorithm uses.

Prohibits algorithms that use competitors' private data to set prices or rental rates in the same market. Imposes penalties up to $1,000 per violation for companies selling or using price-setting algorithms illegally. Allows businesses to avoid penalties by obtaining written proof that algorithms do not use nonpublic competitor data. Authorizes state and local prosecutors to enforce the law through civil actions and seek damages.

Preventing Algorithmic Price Fixing Act: prohibition on certain price-setting algorithm uses.

Image for Preventing Algorithmic Price Fixing Act: prohibition on certain price-setting algorithm uses.

Prohibits algorithms that use competitors' private data to set prices or rental rates in the same market. Imposes penalties up to $1,000 per violation for companies selling or using price-setting algorithms illegally. Allows businesses to avoid penalties by obtaining written proof that algorithms do not use nonpublic competitor data. Authorizes state and local prosecutors to enforce the law through civil actions and seek damages.

Image for Tax preparers: exemptions.

Tax preparers: exemptions.

Expands tax preparer exemptions to include licensed accountants, law firms, and financial institutions. Requires supervised employees to have their tax returns signed by exempt professionals. Applies new exemption rules to tax returns filed for years starting January 1, 2025.

Tax preparers: exemptions.

Image for Tax preparers: exemptions.

Expands tax preparer exemptions to include licensed accountants, law firms, and financial institutions. Requires supervised employees to have their tax returns signed by exempt professionals. Applies new exemption rules to tax returns filed for years starting January 1, 2025.

Image for Vehicle dealers: document processing charge.

Vehicle dealers: document processing charge.

Authorizes car dealers to charge document processing fees up to $350 or 1% of vehicle price, whichever is less. Requires dealers to prominently display fee notices and provide written disclosures to customers. Exempts vehicle sales to state and local government entities from the increased fee provisions. Prohibits dealers from representing document processing charges as government fees.

Vehicle dealers: document processing charge.

Image for Vehicle dealers: document processing charge.

Authorizes car dealers to charge document processing fees up to $350 or 1% of vehicle price, whichever is less. Requires dealers to prominently display fee notices and provide written disclosures to customers. Exempts vehicle sales to state and local government entities from the increased fee provisions. Prohibits dealers from representing document processing charges as government fees.