Bill > SB635

This bill, known as the Street Vendor Business Protection Act, aims to protect sidewalk vendors and compact mobile food operation operators from potential immigration enforcement by local authorities. The bill prohibits local agencies from inquiring about or collecting information related to an individual's immigration status, citizenship, or criminal history when issuing permits or licenses for sidewalk vending. It requires local authorities to accept alternative forms of identification, such as driver's licenses or municipal ID numbers, instead of social security numbers. The bill mandates that local agencies cannot voluntarily provide personally identifiable information to immigration enforcement agents without a judicial warrant and cannot assist in immigration enforcement activities. For sidewalk vendors, the bill limits administrative fines for violations and prevents criminal prosecution, with fines ranging from $100 to $500 depending on the number of violations. Additionally, the bill requires local authorities that have previously collected sensitive immigration or criminal history information to destroy those records by March 1, 2026. The legislation is motivated by a desire to protect immigrant entrepreneurs, promote economic opportunities for low-income communities, and create a more supportive environment for small business owners, recognizing the important role of sidewalk vending in providing access to culturally significant goods and contributing to dynamic public spaces.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB635