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| 1 | + | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 506Introduced by Assembly Member Bennett(Principal coauthor: Assembly Member Berman)(Principal coauthor: Senator Umberg)February 10, 2025An act to add Section 1670.13 to the Civil Code, relating to contracts. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 506, as introduced, Bennett. Contracts: sales of dogs and cats.Existing law generally regulates formation and enforcement of contracts, including what constitutes an unlawful contract. Existing law provides that, except as provided, a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat in which ownership is contingent upon the making of payments over a period of time subsequent to the transfer of possession of the dog or cat is void as against public policy. Existing law provides that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, for the lease of a dog or cat that provides for or offers the option of transferring ownership of the dog or cat at the end of the lease term is void as against public policy.This bill would provide that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker, as defined, and where the buyer is located in California, is void as against public policy if specified conditions are met, including that the contract requires a nonrefundable deposit. The bill would require a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California to include specified information, including that the broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract. The bill would authorize any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin a person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates the above-described provisions. The bill would authorize a buyer harmed by a violation to bring a civil action pursuant to that provision against any person in violation of the above-described provisions, and would entitle a prevailing plaintiff to reasonable attorneys fees and costs. The bill would also authorize the Attorney General to enforce these provisions on behalf of a pet purchaser. The bill would require, if money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to these provisions, the seller to refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void without expectation that the buyer return the contract subject. The bill would specify that nothing in its provisions are to be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as specified.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1670.13 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General shall have the authority to enforce this section on behalf of pet purchasers. The authority provided to the Attorney General by this section is not an exclusive remedy and does not affect any other relief or remedy provided by law.(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as defined in Section 54.1. | |
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| 3 | + | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 506Introduced by Assembly Member Bennett(Principal coauthor: Assembly Member Berman)(Principal coauthor: Senator Umberg)February 10, 2025An act to add Section 1670.13 to the Civil Code, relating to contracts. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 506, as introduced, Bennett. Contracts: sales of dogs and cats.Existing law generally regulates formation and enforcement of contracts, including what constitutes an unlawful contract. Existing law provides that, except as provided, a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat in which ownership is contingent upon the making of payments over a period of time subsequent to the transfer of possession of the dog or cat is void as against public policy. Existing law provides that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, for the lease of a dog or cat that provides for or offers the option of transferring ownership of the dog or cat at the end of the lease term is void as against public policy.This bill would provide that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker, as defined, and where the buyer is located in California, is void as against public policy if specified conditions are met, including that the contract requires a nonrefundable deposit. The bill would require a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California to include specified information, including that the broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract. The bill would authorize any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin a person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates the above-described provisions. The bill would authorize a buyer harmed by a violation to bring a civil action pursuant to that provision against any person in violation of the above-described provisions, and would entitle a prevailing plaintiff to reasonable attorneys fees and costs. The bill would also authorize the Attorney General to enforce these provisions on behalf of a pet purchaser. The bill would require, if money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to these provisions, the seller to refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void without expectation that the buyer return the contract subject. The bill would specify that nothing in its provisions are to be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as specified.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO | |
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| 5 | - | Amended IN Assembly April 01, 2025 | |
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| 7 | - | Amended IN Assembly April 01, 2025 | |
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| 9 | 9 | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION | |
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| 11 | 11 | Assembly Bill | |
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| 13 | 13 | No. 506 | |
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| 15 | 15 | Introduced by Assembly Member Bennett(Principal coauthor: Assembly Member Berman)(Principal coauthor: Senator Umberg)February 10, 2025 | |
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| 17 | 17 | Introduced by Assembly Member Bennett(Principal coauthor: Assembly Member Berman)(Principal coauthor: Senator Umberg) | |
| 18 | 18 | February 10, 2025 | |
| 19 | 19 | ||
| 20 | 20 | An act to add Section 1670.13 to the Civil Code, relating to contracts. | |
| 21 | 21 | ||
| 22 | 22 | LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 23 | 23 | ||
| 24 | 24 | ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 25 | 25 | ||
| 26 | - | AB 506, as | |
| 26 | + | AB 506, as introduced, Bennett. Contracts: sales of dogs and cats. | |
| 27 | 27 | ||
| 28 | - | Existing law generally regulates formation and enforcement of contracts, including what constitutes an unlawful contract. Existing law provides that, except as provided, a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat in which ownership is contingent upon the making of payments over a period of time subsequent to the transfer of possession of the dog or cat is void as against public policy. Existing law provides that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, for the lease of a dog or cat that provides for or offers the option of transferring ownership of the dog or cat at the end of the lease term is void as against public policy.This bill would provide that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker, as defined, and where the buyer is located in California, is void as against public policy if specified conditions are met, including that the contract requires a nonrefundable deposit. The bill would require a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California to include specified information, including that the broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract. The bill would authorize any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin a person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates the above-described provisions. The bill would authorize a buyer harmed by a violation to bring a civil action pursuant to that provision against any person in violation of the above-described provisions, and would entitle a prevailing plaintiff to reasonable attorneys fees and costs. The bill would also authorize the Attorney General | |
| 28 | + | Existing law generally regulates formation and enforcement of contracts, including what constitutes an unlawful contract. Existing law provides that, except as provided, a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat in which ownership is contingent upon the making of payments over a period of time subsequent to the transfer of possession of the dog or cat is void as against public policy. Existing law provides that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, for the lease of a dog or cat that provides for or offers the option of transferring ownership of the dog or cat at the end of the lease term is void as against public policy.This bill would provide that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker, as defined, and where the buyer is located in California, is void as against public policy if specified conditions are met, including that the contract requires a nonrefundable deposit. The bill would require a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California to include specified information, including that the broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract. The bill would authorize any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin a person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates the above-described provisions. The bill would authorize a buyer harmed by a violation to bring a civil action pursuant to that provision against any person in violation of the above-described provisions, and would entitle a prevailing plaintiff to reasonable attorneys fees and costs. The bill would also authorize the Attorney General to enforce these provisions on behalf of a pet purchaser. The bill would require, if money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to these provisions, the seller to refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void without expectation that the buyer return the contract subject. The bill would specify that nothing in its provisions are to be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as specified. | |
| 29 | 29 | ||
| 30 | 30 | Existing law generally regulates formation and enforcement of contracts, including what constitutes an unlawful contract. Existing law provides that, except as provided, a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat in which ownership is contingent upon the making of payments over a period of time subsequent to the transfer of possession of the dog or cat is void as against public policy. Existing law provides that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2018, for the lease of a dog or cat that provides for or offers the option of transferring ownership of the dog or cat at the end of the lease term is void as against public policy. | |
| 31 | 31 | ||
| 32 | - | This bill would provide that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker, as defined, and where the buyer is located in California, is void as against public policy if specified conditions are met, including that the contract requires a nonrefundable deposit. The bill would require a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California to include specified information, including that the broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract. The bill would authorize any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin a person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates the above-described provisions. The bill would authorize a buyer harmed by a violation to bring a civil action pursuant to that provision against any person in violation of the above-described provisions, and would entitle a prevailing plaintiff to reasonable attorneys fees and costs. The bill would also authorize the Attorney General | |
| 32 | + | This bill would provide that a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker, as defined, and where the buyer is located in California, is void as against public policy if specified conditions are met, including that the contract requires a nonrefundable deposit. The bill would require a contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California to include specified information, including that the broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract. The bill would authorize any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin a person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates the above-described provisions. The bill would authorize a buyer harmed by a violation to bring a civil action pursuant to that provision against any person in violation of the above-described provisions, and would entitle a prevailing plaintiff to reasonable attorneys fees and costs. The bill would also authorize the Attorney General to enforce these provisions on behalf of a pet purchaser. | |
| 33 | 33 | ||
| 34 | 34 | The bill would require, if money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to these provisions, the seller to refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void without expectation that the buyer return the contract subject. The bill would specify that nothing in its provisions are to be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as specified. | |
| 35 | 35 | ||
| 36 | 36 | ## Digest Key | |
| 37 | 37 | ||
| 38 | 38 | ## Bill Text | |
| 39 | 39 | ||
| 40 | - | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1670.13 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General | |
| 40 | + | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1670.13 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General shall have the authority to enforce this section on behalf of pet purchasers. The authority provided to the Attorney General by this section is not an exclusive remedy and does not affect any other relief or remedy provided by law.(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as defined in Section 54.1. | |
| 41 | 41 | ||
| 42 | 42 | The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 43 | 43 | ||
| 44 | 44 | ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 45 | 45 | ||
| 46 | - | SECTION 1. Section 1670.13 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General | |
| 46 | + | SECTION 1. Section 1670.13 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General shall have the authority to enforce this section on behalf of pet purchasers. The authority provided to the Attorney General by this section is not an exclusive remedy and does not affect any other relief or remedy provided by law.(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as defined in Section 54.1. | |
| 47 | 47 | ||
| 48 | 48 | SECTION 1. Section 1670.13 is added to the Civil Code, to read: | |
| 49 | 49 | ||
| 50 | 50 | ### SECTION 1. | |
| 51 | 51 | ||
| 52 | - | 1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General | |
| 52 | + | 1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General shall have the authority to enforce this section on behalf of pet purchasers. The authority provided to the Attorney General by this section is not an exclusive remedy and does not affect any other relief or remedy provided by law.(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as defined in Section 54.1. | |
| 53 | 53 | ||
| 54 | - | 1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General | |
| 54 | + | 1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General shall have the authority to enforce this section on behalf of pet purchasers. The authority provided to the Attorney General by this section is not an exclusive remedy and does not affect any other relief or remedy provided by law.(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as defined in Section 54.1. | |
| 55 | 55 | ||
| 56 | - | 1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General | |
| 56 | + | 1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit.(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject.(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs.(g) The Attorney General shall have the authority to enforce this section on behalf of pet purchasers. The authority provided to the Attorney General by this section is not an exclusive remedy and does not affect any other relief or remedy provided by law.(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as defined in Section 54.1. | |
| 57 | 57 | ||
| 58 | 58 | ||
| 59 | 59 | ||
| 60 | 60 | 1670.13. (a) For purposes of this section, broker means a person or business that (1) sells, (2) arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of, or (3) facilitates the transfer of dogs or cats bred by another for profit. | |
| 61 | 61 | ||
| 62 | 62 | (b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply: | |
| 63 | 63 | ||
| 64 | 64 | (1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit. | |
| 65 | 65 | ||
| 66 | 66 | (2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder. | |
| 67 | 67 | ||
| 68 | 68 | (c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information: | |
| 69 | 69 | ||
| 70 | 70 | (1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract. | |
| 71 | 71 | ||
| 72 | 72 | (2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit. | |
| 73 | 73 | ||
| 74 | 74 | (d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section without expectation of return of the contract subject. | |
| 75 | 75 | ||
| 76 | 76 | (e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c). | |
| 77 | 77 | ||
| 78 | 78 | (f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction. | |
| 79 | 79 | ||
| 80 | 80 | (1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation. | |
| 81 | 81 | ||
| 82 | 82 | (2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs. | |
| 83 | 83 | ||
| 84 | - | (g) The Attorney General | |
| 84 | + | (g) The Attorney General shall have the authority to enforce this section on behalf of pet purchasers. The authority provided to the Attorney General by this section is not an exclusive remedy and does not affect any other relief or remedy provided by law. | |
| 85 | 85 | ||
| 86 | - | (h) Nothing in this | |
| 86 | + | (h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal by a governmental agency or the transfer of ownership of a guide, signal, or service dog, as defined in Section 54.1. |