Bill > SB95

This bill expands the definition of "seller of travel" to include travel consolidators, which are entities that purchase and resell airline tickets or vouchers at a discount. The bill introduces new protections for consumers by requiring air carriers to refund passengers who have been victims of fraud by a seller of travel, specifically when the air carrier has actual knowledge of the seller's fraudulent business practices and the passenger cannot obtain a refund from the seller within a reasonable time. The bill defines fraud as an act of deceit under specific sections of the Civil Code and clarifies that "actual knowledge" means the carrier is aware the seller is engaging in fraudulent conduct. Additionally, if a seller of travel is not registered with the state as required by law, the sale becomes voidable by the purchaser. The bill also stipulates that if a plaintiff successfully brings an action under these provisions, the court must award reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Notably, the bill is designed to provide more consumer protection in the travel industry by holding air carriers accountable when they are aware of fraudulent sellers and creating clearer mechanisms for consumers to seek refunds.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB95