Plain English Breakdown
The official text contains a formatting conflict showing both '90' and '60' days for the penalty extension, making the exact duration uncertain based on this source alone.
AB-380: Changes to Price Gouging and Rental Rules During Emergencies
This law extends the time limit for price gouging penalties in some cases, increases fines for businesses that break these laws, and expands rental protections to include long-term leases and commercial properties during emergencies.
What This Bill Does
- Extends the penalty period from 30 days to 60 or 90 days after an emergency is declared for provisions where it previously applied for only 30 days.
- Increases the fine for businesses, contractors, and other entities that break price gouging laws to $25,000.
- Removes the one-year limit on lease terms so all rental housing gets protection against large rent hikes and evictions during emergencies.
- Applies rules about limiting rent increases by more than 10% and stopping evictions to commercial real property as well.
Who It Names or Affects
- Businesses, contractors, persons, and other entities that sell goods or services.
- Landlords who own residential rental properties with any lease length.
- Owners of commercial real estate properties.
- Tenants living in residential housing or businesses renting commercial space.
Terms To Know
- Price gouging
- Selling goods or services for more than 10% higher than the price charged right before an emergency was declared.
- Misdemeanor
- A crime punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine of $25,000 (for businesses), or both.
- State of emergency
- An official announcement by the President, Governor, or local leaders declaring a crisis situation.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill text lists conflicting numbers (60 and 90 days) for the extended penalty period without clarifying which applies in all cases.
- The bill states that no reimbursement is required from the state to local agencies, but does not specify the reason why.