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AB-1640 • 2026

California Restaurant Reservation AntiPiracy Act.

California Restaurant Reservation AntiPiracy Act.

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Stefani
Last action
Official status
Senate - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text refers to a definition of 'restaurant reservation' but does not include the actual definition in this summary.

California Restaurant Reservation AntiPiracy Act

This law stops people from selling or helping to sell restaurant reservations for more money than they paid, with some exceptions.

What This Bill Does

  • Prohibits a person from selling or transferring a restaurant reservation for an amount higher than what was paid to get it.
  • Bans actions that help someone else sell or transfer a reservation at a price above the original cost.
  • Allows the Attorney General, county counsel, city attorneys, and harmed individuals to seek civil penalties against violators.
  • Creates a new fund in the State Treasury called the California Restaurant Reservation AntiPiracy Act Fund.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who buy or sell restaurant reservations
  • The Attorney General and local city or county lawyers
  • Individuals or businesses harmed by illegal resale of reservations

Terms To Know

Civil penalties
Money fines paid to the government for breaking this law.
Facilitating
Helping someone else do something, like selling a reservation at a higher price.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill mentions exceptions to the rule but does not list what those specific exceptions are.
  • Money in the new fund can only be used if the Legislature approves spending it later.
  • The text defines a restaurant reservation generally as 'as defined' but does not provide that detailed definition here.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Senate - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

California Restaurant Reservation AntiPiracy Act.