Bill > SB36

This bill strengthens California's price gouging protections during states of emergency by expanding legal definitions and enforcement mechanisms. Specifically, the bill adds new requirements for housing listing platforms during emergencies, mandating that they remove listings with prices that exceed legal limits, establish clear policies about price gouging, and provide mechanisms for reporting violations. It also expands civil penalties for price gouging, allowing fines up to $2,500 for each violation when the acts target people displaced by emergencies. The bill broadens the definition of price gouging to include any significant price increases on essential goods and services during emergencies, such as food, medical supplies, housing, and transportation. Additionally, the legislation allows for potential triple damages in civil actions if the defendant knowingly targeted vulnerable populations like emergency-displaced persons. The bill aims to protect consumers from excessive pricing during vulnerable times by creating more robust legal tools to prevent and penalize price gouging, with a particular focus on housing and essential goods. The provisions apply to emergencies declared by state or local authorities, including natural disasters, pandemics, and other critical events that disrupt normal market conditions.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB36