KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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SB-637 • 2026

Consumer review platforms.

Consumer review platforms.

Labor Privacy
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Grayson
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on enforcement mechanisms or penalties for non-compliance, leaving these aspects uncertain.

Rules for Online Review Websites

The law prohibits businesses from using online review platforms that do not allow them to opt out of being reviewed by consumers.

What This Bill Does

  • It prohibits a business from making available in the state an online platform where they cannot opt out of consumer reviews or testimonials.
  • Defines 'consumer review platform' as an online place dedicated to enabling consumers to see or hear reviews and testimonials about specific businesses.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Businesses in the state
  • Online platforms for consumer reviews

Terms To Know

consumer review platform
An online place dedicated to enabling consumers to see or hear reviews and testimonials about specific businesses.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify the consequences for a business that violates this rule.
  • It is unclear how enforcement of the law will be carried out.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. 2025-04-02 California Legislative Information

    Re-referred to Com. on JUD.

  3. 2025-03-24 California Legislative Information

    From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.

  4. 2025-03-05 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on RLS.

  5. 2025-02-21 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 23.

  6. 2025-02-20 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 637, as amended, Grayson.
Consumer protection.
Consumer review platforms.
Existing law prohibits a contract, or proposed contract, for the sale or lease of consumer goods or services from including a provision waiving the consumer’s right to make a statement regarding the seller or lessor, or its employees or agents, or concerning the goods or services.
This bill would prohibit a business from making a consumer review platform available in the state that does not allow a business to opt out of being the subject of consumer reviews or consumer testimonials on the consumer review platform. The bill would define “consumer review platform” to mean an online platform, or a portion of an online platform, that is dedicated to enabling a consumer to see or hear consumer reviews of, or consumer testimonials with respect to, particular
businesses that consumers have submitted to the online platform.
Existing law contains various provisions for the purpose of protecting consumers, including, among others, provisions regulating financial institutions and businesses generally, protecting privacy, and providing for consumer legal remedies.
This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to consumer protection.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF