Fictitious business names: statements: publication.
One of the major changes proposed by AB 2679 is the option for the publication of fictitious business name statements to be carried out online. If adopted, county clerks can choose to publish these statements on their own websites or open-source portals for a continuous four-week period. This move towards digital publication is seen as a modernization effort meant to reduce costs and increase accessibility for businesses, particularly smaller enterprises that may find traditional newspaper publication burdensome.
Assembly Bill 2679, introduced by Assembly Member Fong, aims to amend Sections 17917, 17918, and 17924 of the Business and Professions Code. The bill primarily addresses the regulations surrounding fictitious business names, which are names that businesses use that are different from their legal business name. The existing law mandates that any business operating under a fictitious name must file a statement within 40 days and publish that statement in a newspaper of general circulation within 30 days after filing. This process ensures transparency and the ability for the public to be aware of business operations within their locality.
While the digital publication could streamline the process, it raises questions about access and equity, as some members of the legislative body expressed concerns that not all constituents may have equal access to online resources, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, the bill retains the option for traditional newspaper publication, but the effectiveness of this dual approach remains a point of debate among stakeholders. Ultimately, the bill seeks to adapt the legislative framework to better suit the current business environment and technological advances, while also ensuring that the mechanisms for public awareness about business registrations are maintained.