Bill > AB380

This bill modifies existing California law regarding price gouging during states of emergency by making several key changes. The bill reduces the period for price gouging restrictions from 90 to 60 days following an emergency declaration, expands the definition of "housing" to include rental properties of any lease length, and applies price gouging protections to commercial real property rental prices. For businesses and entities other than individuals, the bill establishes a higher fine of $25,000 for violating price gouging rules. The legislation specifically targets situations where merchants might take unfair advantage of consumers during emergencies by dramatically increasing prices for essential goods and services like food, medical supplies, housing, and emergency cleanup materials. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow price increases directly attributable to additional supplier or labor costs, and preserves the ability of local jurisdictions to impose more stringent regulations. Importantly, the bill aims to protect consumers from excessive pricing during vulnerable periods of emergency, while providing some flexibility for businesses to cover legitimate increased costs. The changes apply to various types of emergencies, including natural disasters, pandemics, and other declared emergency situations at the state or local level.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB380