Bill > SB763

This bill amends the Cartwright Act, which regulates anti-competitive business practices, by increasing penalties for violations of trade restrictions. Specifically, the bill raises the maximum fine for corporate violators from $1,000,000 to $6,000,000 and increases the maximum fine for individual violators from $250,000 to $1,000,000. Additionally, the bill introduces a new civil penalty of up to $1,000,000 for each violation, which can be assessed in a civil action brought by the Attorney General or district attorney. When determining the civil penalty, courts must consider factors such as the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, the number of violations, the persistence and duration of the misconduct, the willfulness of the violation, and the defendant's financial resources. The bill also clarifies that the remedies and penalties under the Cartwright Act are cumulative and can be used in conjunction with other state law penalties. The primary goal of these changes is to more effectively deter anti-competitive business practices and provide stronger legal tools to prosecute violations of trade restrictions.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB763