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AB-446 • 2026

Surveillance pricing.

Surveillance pricing.

Privacy Technology
Active

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

Sponsor
Ward
Last action
Official status
Senate - Inactive
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text mentions the bill was ordered to an inactive file at the request of a Senator, which may affect its final status as law.

Ban on Surveillance Pricing in Grocery Establishments

This law stops grocery establishments from charging higher prices to specific customers based on personal information collected through electronic surveillance.

What This Bill Does

  • Prohibits grocery establishments, with certain exceptions, from engaging in surveillance pricing.
  • Defines 'surveillance pricing' as setting a customized price increase for a good or service for a specific consumer or group of consumers based on personally identifiable information collected through electronic surveillance technology.
  • Allows public prosecutors to sue violators to collect civil penalties, stop the behavior (injunctive relief), and recover legal costs.
  • Authorizes consumers to file lawsuits to stop this practice (injunctive relief) and get their attorney fees paid back.
  • States that any agreement trying to give up these rights is invalid against public policy.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Grocery establishments as defined by the bill
  • Consumers who shop at grocery stores
  • Public prosecutors authorized to enforce this law

Terms To Know

Surveillance pricing
Setting a customized price increase for a specific consumer or group based on personal information collected through electronic surveillance technology.
Injunctive relief
A court order that requires someone to stop doing something, such as stopping the use of illegal pricing methods.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill includes certain exceptions where surveillance pricing might still be allowed.
  • Only public prosecutors can seek civil penalties; consumers cannot collect money damages for themselves under this law.
  • The exact definition of 'grocery establishment' and the specific types of electronic surveillance technology are not detailed in the provided text.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Senate - Inactive

Official Summary Text

Surveillance pricing.