Consumer Protection Bills Going into Effect on January 1, 2012

Consumer Protection Bills Going into Effect on January 1, 2012

California consumers will enjoy new food safety, privacy and elder abuse protections beginning January 1, 2012, as a result of state legislation enacted this year. These include:

·        AB 688 – Pan – Bans retailers selling baby food, infant formula and over-the-counter medications after the product’s expiration date;

·        AB 1319 – Butler - Prohibits food containers for baby food to use unsafe levels of toxic bisphenol A (BPA);

·        AB 22 – Mendoza - Protects the financial privacy of job applicants by limiting prospective employer inquiries into credit histories in cases where the credit record is not germane to the job;

·        SB 24 – Simitian – Improves security breach notices that will make it easier for Californians to take measures to prevent identity theft;

·        AB 1313 – Monning – Provides families of the elderly living in residential care facilities with proper notification if such a facility might face a sudden license revocation.

“Governor Brown’s signature on these measures is a demonstration of his appreciation for common sense consumer legislation. It’s a welcome change,” said Richard Holober, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California.