Environment
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
StateCaliforniaReferred
SB 493: Unlawful business practices: price gouging.
Josh Becker
SB 493 status: Referred — Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR (updated Jul 2, 2026).
Source
LegiScan
Confidence
High
Analysis basis
LegiScan full bill text
01
What this bill does
Official summary alongside an AI-generated read on where it stands and why.
Overall Score
69OUT OF 100
Score:69/100 civic fit
Risk:Moderate Risk
Impact:Moderate Impact 65/100
Constitutionality85%
Bipartisan70%
Public opinion80%
Bill summary
Under existing law, upon the proclamation of a state of emergency by the President of the United States or the Governor, or upon the declaration of a local emergency by the governing authority of any county, city, or city and county, and for 30 days or 180 days, as specified, following the proclamation or declaration of emergency and any period the proclamation or declaration is extended by the applicable authority, it is a misdemeanor for any person, business, or other entity to sell or offe...
02
Impact analysis
✦ AI analysisModeled effects across six domains, estimated from bill text and comparable legislation.
Economy
Mixed / Neutral
55%
Benefits
- Prevents predatory price spikes during wartime economic instability
- Ensures price stability for essential goods during emergencies
- Provides clear affirmative defense paths for legitimate cost increases
Risks
- Increases compliance risks and potential litigation for businesses
- May discourage suppliers from moving goods into high-risk emergency zones
- Compliance costs for tracking cost-plus markup data during crises
Society
Positive outlook
75%
Benefits
- Protects low-income households from predatory rent increases during disasters
- Ensures continued access to vital essential goods for vulnerable populations
- Prevents displacement of residential tenants during emergencies
Risks
- May trigger unintended housing supply shortages during periods of emergency
- Potentially limits property owner flexibility in managing emergency maintenance
- Implementation gaps might result in uneven protection across municipalities
Technology Industry
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Civic Accountability
Positive outlook
70%
Benefits
- Requires AG written opinion to link price increases to war-related events
- Maintains existing oversight mechanisms through the Penal Code
- Ensures legislative intent is clearly stated for legal interpretation
Risks
- Adds administrative burden to the Attorney General's office during crises
- Potential for delayed agency response during fast-moving emergencies
- Reliance on executive branch interpretation of 'war' and 'nexus'
Public Health & Safety
Positive outlook
75%
Benefits
- Secures access to critical medical supplies during emergency events
- Maintains food security for affected communities during instability
- Reduces economic barrier to life-saving goods and services
Risks
- Risk of supply chain disruption if price caps prevent rapid importation
- Potential for hoarding if prices are set too low to reflect demand
- Uncertain effectiveness during extreme global market disruptions
03
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Sourcing already shown above, this is what the analysis found worth flagging.
Source
LegiScan
Official bill text or data from LegiScan.
Confidence
High
Information is complete and verified.
Analysis basis
LegiScan full bill text
Source used for this bill's analysis.
Source note
Businesses may face increased criminal liability under misdemeanor provisions.
Analysis scope
Statute amendments are limited to Section 396 of the Penal Code.
04
Where it stands
Official record- IntroducedComplete
- CommitteeCurrent
- Chamber votesUpcoming
- Final agreementUpcoming
- GovernorUpcoming
- EnactedUpcoming
05
How it affects your district
✦ Personalized
Set your location
Add your district to see how this bill may affect your community and who to contact.
Your Representatives
Your representatives appear here once you add your location.
06
Take action
Contact your representatives
Let them know how you feel about this bill.
Share your view
Join the discussion and see what others are saying.
Track this bill
Stay updated on progress and changes.