AB 2511: The Parent’s Accountability and Child Protection Act.

Existing law prohibits an operator of an Internet Web site, online service, online application, or mobile application, as specified, from marketing or advertising specified types of products or services to a minor. Existing law also makes it unlawful for any person to sell specified products or services to a minor or requires permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to sell to a minor. Under existing law, generally a minor may make a contract in the same manner as an adult.

This bill, commencing on January 1, 2020, would require a person or business that conducts business in California and that seeks to sell specified products or services, to take reasonable steps, as specified, to ensure that the purchaser is of legal age at the time of purchase or delivery, including, but not limited to, verifying the age of the purchaser. The bill would prohibit a person or business that is required to comply with these provisions from retaining, using, or disclosing any information it receives in an effort to verify age from a purchaser or recipient for any purpose other than complying with these provisions, California law, or a state or federal court order. The bill would specify that a business or person that violates these provisions is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $7,500 for each violation.