AB-1927 • 2026

Bail Consumer Protection Act.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Krell
Last action: 2026-06-03
Official status: Referred to Coms. on PUB. S. and JUD.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Bail Consumer Protection Act

This law stops bail agents from contacting family members and known contacts of arrested people to offer their services unless those people ask first, and it allows the government to fine violators.

What This Bill Does

It makes it illegal for bail agents or impersonators to contact a person's family or known contacts without being asked first.
It allows the Attorney General to punish violators with civil penalties.
It classifies violations as unfair and deceptive trade practices under the Unfair Competition Law.
It lets people who are hurt by these actions sue for damages, stop the bad behavior, and get legal fees paid.

Who It Names or Affects

Bail agents or impersonators
Family members of arrested individuals
Known contacts of arrested individuals

Terms To Know

Unfair Competition Law: A law that stops businesses from doing things that are unfair to other businesses and consumers.
Civil penalties: Fines or punishments for breaking a law, paid to the government rather than as criminal punishment.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if someone breaks these rules after being asked.
It is unclear how this will be enforced in all situations.
There are no details on when or how the law will start to apply.

Bill History

2026-06-03 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on PUB. S. and JUD.
2026-05-27 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-05-26 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 78. Noes 0.)
2026-05-19 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-05-18 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
2026-05-14 California Legislative Information
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (May 14).
2026-04-29 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on APPR. pursuant to Assembly Rule 96.
2026-04-07 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on INS.
2026-04-06 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on INS. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-25 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on INS. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on INS.
2026-03-17 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
2026-03-16 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-09 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on PUB. S. and INS.
2026-02-14 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 16.
2026-02-13 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1927, as amended, Krell.
Bail Consumer Protection Act.
Existing law generally regulates the business of insurance in the state, including the conduct of insurance licensees, and provides for the issuance of bail licenses under the jurisdiction of the Insurance Commissioner. Existing regulations generally prohibit the solicitation of bail except after a bona fide request for bail services has been received from the arrestee or from another specified person.
This bill, the Bail Consumer Protection Act, would prohibit a bail agent or impersonator from engaging in unauthorized solicitation of bail to any family member or known contact of an arrested individual for the purpose of engaging the recipient in bail bond services, as specified. The bill would provide that the prohibition does not apply in certain circumstances, including when the communication to a family member or known contact is in
response to a voluntary inquiry or bona fide request for bail bond services initiated by that family member or known contact. The bill would prescribe civil penalties, enforceable by the Attorney
General. The bill would additionally make a violation of these provisions an unfair and deceptive trade practice under the Unfair Competition Law and authorize private individuals aggrieved by a violation to bring a civil action for actual damages, injunctive relief, and reasonable attorney’s fees.
General or any public prosecutor.
The bill would define terms for purposes of the act.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF