In one paragraph
California's SB 384 (2025-26 Regular Session), the Preventing Algorithmic Price Fixing Act, would have barred selling, licensing, providing or using a price-setting algorithm with the intent or reasonable expectation that 2 or more competitors in the same market use it, if the person knows or should know it processes nonpublic data to set a price, supply level, rent or occupancy level. Civil penalty up to $1,000 per violation. The Senate passed it 28-10; it was held in Assembly Appropriations on August 29, 2025 and was not passed before the session ended.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and never became law. It would have barred vendors and users of price-setting algorithms that use nonpublic data across competitors, with penalties up to $1,000 per violation.
Key provisions
- Would add Chapter 40 (commencing with Section 22949.85) to the Business and Professions Code
- Would prohibit selling, licensing, providing or using a price-setting algorithm with the intent or reasonable expectation that 2 or more competitors in the same market use it, if the person knows or should know it processes nonpublic data to set a price or supply level, or a rent or occupancy level of rental property
- Affirmative defense for a user who shows reasonable due diligence, as specified
- Attorney General, district attorneys, city attorneys or county counsel could file civil actions, including for civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, as specified
- A contract that violates the bill would be void to that extent; the bill would not limit antitrust law
- Status: held in committee and under submission August 29, 2025; no later action before the session ended
Latest legislative action
Aug 29, 2025. August 29 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
Sponsors (showing 5 of 30)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Alpert | Author |
| Anderson | Author |
| Benoit | Author |
| Bill Berryhill | Coauthor |
| Bradford | Author |
Roll call votes (showing 3 of 6)
Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] Jul 16, 2025
9 yea4 nay2 otherPassed
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Privacy and Consumer Protection] Jul 1, 2025
9 yea2 nay1 otherPassed
3rd Reading Jun 3, 2025
28 yea10 nay2 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error