California Senate Bill SB861

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/25
• Refer: 3/26/25
• Report Pass: 4/21/25
• Refer: 4/21/25
• Report Pass: 4/30/25
• Refer: 4/30/25
• Refer: 5/14/25
• Engrossed: 5/23/25
• Refer: 5/29/25
• Refer: 6/30/25
• Report Pass: 7/8/25
• Refer: 7/8/25
• Report Pass: 7/16/25
• Enrolled: 9/13/25
• Chaptered: 10/10/25
• Passed: 10/10/25

Caption

An act to amend Sections 27, 144, 1602, 1603, 1901, 1903, 1905, 1926.3, 1944, 2532.2, 2532.3, 2532.4, 2532.6, 2532.7, 2536, 6501, 6584, 7076.5, 7137, 7152, 7524, 8027, 8764.5, 9889.1, 9889.2, 9889.9, 12107, 12211, 12500.8, 12609, 13404.5, 13711, 19094, 26051.5, and 26067 of the Business and Professions Code, to amend Sections 44831, 94834, 94866, 94897, 94900, 94902, 94909, and 94910 of, and to repeal Sections 94880.1, 94929.9, and 94949 of, the Education Code, and to amend Section 14132.55 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to consumer affairs.

Impact

The bill's amendments are expected to significantly affect numerous sectors regulated under California's consumer affairs system. By mandating that agencies disclose enforcement actions online, it aims to promote accountability among various professions including dental and funeral services. The bill also introduces changes to the fees associated with the licensing of dental hygienists, aiming to make the fees more affordable. With these changes, it's anticipated that the regulatory environment will be more straightforward and user-friendly for consumers seeking to verify the credentials of professionals.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 861, known as the Consumer Affairs Bill, aims to amend various sections of the Business and Professions Code, the Education Code, and the Welfare and Institutions Code. The bill mandates that agencies within the Department of Consumer Affairs enhance transparency regarding licensed professionals by requiring them to disclose more detailed information about the status and action against their licensees on the internet. This includes the introduction of requirements for the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau to also disclose information about licensed hydrolysis and reduction facilities.

Sentiment

Overall, the reception of SB 861 appears to be favorable among proponents who view these changes as a necessary improvement in regulatory practice, promoting consumer protection. Supporters argue the increased transparency will help consumers make informed decisions. However, there are concerns raised by some industry representatives about the potential administrative burden this increased transparency might place on small businesses and individual practitioners, who may find the compliance demands excessive.

Contention

A notable point of contention revolves around the implications of stringent accountability measures for smaller operators in the regulated sectors. While proponents highlight the benefits of openness and public access to licensing information, critics fear that mandating extensive disclosures may overwhelm smaller entities that lack the resources to comply with stringent paperwork and may inadvertently lead to increased costs for consumers. Balancing regulatory oversight with practical feasibility for practitioners remains a sensitive topic during discussions surrounding the bill.