False or misleading advertising.
By amending Section 17500, AB 2915 seeks to enhance the clarity of the existing regulations on advertising practices in California. Even though the changes are deemed nonsubstantive, they hold the potential to reaffirm the state's commitment to enforcing stringent truth-in-advertising laws. This could strengthen consumer trust by ensuring that businesses are held accountable for deceptive practices, which contributes to a fairer marketplace where consumers can make informed decisions.
Assembly Bill 2915, introduced by Assembly Member Cunningham on February 18, 2022, focuses on amending Section 17500 of the Business and Professions Code related to false or misleading advertising. The existing law already criminalizes misleading advertising practices, which include untrue statements made by individuals, corporations, or employees with the intent to induce the public to engage in obligations regarding the sale of goods or services. This bill proposes nonsubstantive changes to these provisions, aiming to clarify the language without altering the legal implications significantly.
While there are no substantial changes to the criminal penalties associated with false marketing claims, the importance of clarity in legal language is emphasized in discussions regarding this bill. Stakeholders in the business community may view it as a positive step towards reducing ambiguity in advertising regulations, while some consumer advocacy groups might argue that even minor changes warrant careful scrutiny to prevent any potential loopholes that could be exploited. Therefore, the discussions around AB 2915 could highlight varying perspectives on consumer protection and business interests.