Bill > AB1345

This bill strengthens California's antitrust laws by expanding the definition of anticompetitive practices under the Cartwright Act. Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for one or more persons to take actions that restrain trade, impede free competition, or attempt to monopolize or monopsonize (a term meaning to be the sole buyer in a market) in any part of trade or commerce. The legislation is motivated by concerns about market consolidation, the growing power of dominant corporations, and the need to protect workers' and consumers' interests. The bill aims to provide stronger legal tools to challenge unfair competition and preserve open labor markets. By broadening the scope of what constitutes an antitrust violation, the bill expands the potential criminal liability for anticompetitive business practices. The bill also includes a provision that no additional reimbursement will be required from the state for local agencies or school districts due to the creation of new criminal definitions. This legislation represents an effort to update and strengthen California's approach to protecting market competition and worker freedoms.

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https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1345