This law gives everyone certain personal rights, such as protection from being physically restrained or harmed, being insulted, having false statements spread about them (defamation), and damage to their personal relationships. These rights are subject to certain limits set by other laws.

This law states that a child who is still in the womb is considered to have certain rights as if they were already born, mainly to protect their future interests once they are born.

If you damage someone else's car while rescuing an animal locked inside, this law says you won't be held responsible for the damage or be sued for trespassing, as long as you followed certain rules from another law closely related to animal rescue. However, this protection doesn't apply to any other legal responsibilities or protections you might have while helping the animal.

If an emergency responder, working within their authorized duties, damages a drone, they can't be held responsible if the drone was in the way of critical emergency operations. "Emergency responder" here includes paid or volunteer individuals or private entities authorized to provide emergency services. The terms in this context, like 'local public entity' and 'unmanned aircraft,' have the same meanings as those in a related government chapter.

If a person damages a car while rescuing a child who is six years old or younger, they won't be sued for those damages. This protection applies if the rescue followed specific guidelines from another law.

In California, a mother has the right to breastfeed her child in any public or private place, as long as she and her child are allowed to be there, with the exception of someone else's private home.

In California, you can't sue someone for damages if they lied about a promise to marry you or live with you after marriage.

This law states that you can't sue someone for ruining your marriage, having an affair with your spouse, seducing someone who can legally consent, or breaking off an engagement.

This law says that people can't be arrested for civil reasons while they're in a courthouse for a court case or any legal matter. However, if there's a valid court warrant, arrests can still happen. Also, it doesn't change any existing legal protections people might have from being arrested.

This law basically says that a peace officer cannot be sued for arresting someone as long as they are acting in good faith and have a reasonable belief the person they arrested is the one named in a legitimate warrant. The warrant must either be a physical document issued by a judge or a digital entry made by authorized personnel in a warrant system.

This law states that foster parents cannot be sued for causing a foster child to lose affection or have a damaged relationship with another person.

This law states that parents cannot be sued for having a child, and this includes the decision to conceive or to allow the child to be born alive. Additionally, if parents decide to have their child, this choice cannot be used as a legal defense or affect the outcome in any lawsuit against another party. Lastly, the term 'conceived' refers to the moment a human egg is fertilized by sperm.

This law protects certain individuals from being sued for money when they are part of specific committees assessing professional conduct in mental health and medical services, as long as they act without bad intentions and make a reasonable effort to get the facts. These committees and professional societies are formed to evaluate the quality of care and professional standards. If someone from these committees acts reasonably and in good faith based on the information they have, they are shielded from liability. However, the protection does not extend to the official immunity of public corporation officers or employees. It also doesn't cover the entities themselves, like a quality assurance committee or hospital, if a lawsuit could have been brought without this law.

This section of California law protects people from being sued for money or damages when they share information about someone's qualifications or fitness with certain organizations, like hospitals or professional boards. This is meant to help assess the abilities of healthcare or veterinary professionals without the fear of financial liability. However, if absolute privilege, which offers complete protection in certain communications, is available under another law, this section doesn’t change that. Also, this law does not change the court's previous decision in a related case that offers a qualified, rather than absolute, privilege.

This section explains when health care providers are not liable for negligence related to unsolicited test results they receive from a diagnostic testing facility, also called a multiphasic screening unit. Providers aren't responsible for acting on these unsolicited results unless there's already a doctor-patient relationship or they decide to interpret them. If they choose not to look at the test results, they must notify the testing facility or send the results back within 21 days. If a provider does review the results and finds a serious risk of illness, they need to make a reasonable effort to inform the patient within 14 days. The provision also outlines that patients must be notified to contact their doctors about test results.

This law states that members of a committee in a professional society can't be sued for money or held liable for actions or decisions they make while maintaining professional standards, as long as they act in good faith, gather facts, and believe their actions are justified. Additionally, people who share information to help evaluate a person's qualifications for membership in such a society are also protected from liability if they don't intentionally spread falsehoods. However, this protection doesn't extend to professional societies themselves, and existing absolute privileges remain unaffected.

This law says that psychotherapists are generally not responsible for failing to predict or prevent violent behavior from their patients. However, if a patient tells the therapist about a serious threat of violence against specific people, the therapist must try to warn those potential victims and law enforcement. The law clarifies that the therapist's duty is not to predict, but to protect. Recent changes only updated the wording from 'warn and protect' to just 'protect' and don't alter the therapist's responsibilities.

This law allows patients or former patients to sue a psychotherapist for damages if the therapist engages in sexual contact with them under certain conditions. It defines important terms like "psychotherapy," "psychotherapist," "sexual contact," "therapeutic relationship," and "therapeutic deception." The lawsuit can be filed if the inappropriate conduct happened during therapy, within two years after therapy ended, or through deception. Importantly, a patient's past sexual history generally can't be used as evidence unless specific conditions are met. This rule seeks to protect the patient while ensuring fair legal processes.

This law protects professional societies and certain nonprofit corporations from being sued for money if they connect the public with professionals like doctors, lawyers, or accountants, as long as they act in good faith and the referral service is free or without extra cost. However, they must reveal any known disciplinary actions against a referred professional unless there was no punishment or the punishment was resolved over three years ago. Attorneys, however, always require disclosure of past disciplinary actions, no matter how much time has passed.

If you make a complaint about a doctor's skills or behavior to certain groups, like a medical society or health facility, they have to tell you that only the Medical Board of California or the California Board of Podiatric Medicine can discipline the doctor. They also have to give you contact information for the right board. Also, there are protections in place for people providing information or complaints to these boards.

This law means that hospitals and certain other organizations aren't financially responsible for actions taken based on their medical staff's recommendations if those actions are reported as required by another law, Section 805 of the Business and Professions Code. However, if someone acts purposely to harm someone else or violate their rights, this protection does not apply.

This law protects consultants from being sued or held financially responsible for sharing information about health care arrangements with the Department of Managed Health Care in California, as long as they act responsibly and within certain guidelines. To qualify for this protection, consultants must communicate without harmful intent, make an effort to gather accurate information, and believe their message is justified based on the facts they know. They must also be working under specific contracts related to health care regulation. This protection doesn't change other legal privileges or the confidentiality of medical records.

This law provides immunity from monetary liability for people or companies contracted to independently review residential building plans and constructions, ensuring they meet specific standards. To be protected, the person or entity must have at least five years of relevant experience and appropriate certifications, such as those offered by the International Conference of Building Officials, or be registered professionals like engineers or architects. However, they are not immune from claims by the applicant who hired them or if damages arise solely from their negligence or misconduct. Furthermore, they must maintain at least $2 million in insurance and cannot be involved in other construction activities on the project. This law does not change any existing professional requirements or the legal responsibilities of those involved in building projects.

This law explains that defamation can happen in two ways: libel and slander.

This law defines libel as any written or visual statement that falsely humiliates someone, causes others to avoid them, or damages their professional reputation. It must be an unprivileged publication, meaning it's not protected by any legal rights.

This law explains that if a written statement is clearly harmful to someone's reputation without needing extra context to understand why, it's considered obviously libelous. If it's not clearly harmful on its own, the person affected must show they're specifically harmed to take action. The detailed harm they need to prove is described in another section of the code.

Slander happens when someone makes a false statement about another person or shares it through spoken words, radio, or other means. It includes accusing someone of a crime, claiming they have a contagious disease, damaging their career by implying they're unqualified, suggesting they are unchaste, or causing them actual harm as a result.

This law discusses when a publication or broadcast is considered privileged, meaning it's protected from legal action. Generally, information is privileged if it's part of an official duty or proceeding, like legislative or judicial meetings. However, this privilege doesn’t apply in certain situations. For example, it doesn’t protect false reports to police, communications that destroy evidence, or concealment of insurance during a trial. Also, it restricts privilege in personal communications without malice between interested parties, like employer references, except for anything involving constitutionally protected activities. Finally, it allows fair reporting of public meetings and official proceedings, but this privilege is lost if the report breaks confidentiality, violates court orders, or breaches professional conduct rules.

This law protects individuals who talk about incidents of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination, as long as they're doing it without malice (bad intent). If someone is sued for defamation because of such a communication and they win the case, they can get their attorney fees covered and may receive extra money for harm caused by the lawsuit. The law also specifies that the protection applies to people who had solid reasons to complain about these issues, even if they didn't file an official complaint. It covers various situations, including workplace and housing discrimination, school harassment, and cyberbullying related to sexual misconduct or discrimination.

This law allows a peace officer to sue someone for defamation if that person filed a false complaint accusing the officer of wrongdoing. For the officer to win, they must prove that the person knew the complaint was untrue and filed it with negative intentions, like spite or hatred. It's also enough to show that the person had no reason to believe it was true and ignored finding out if it was.

This law states that in certain cases of communication mentioned in another part of the law (Section 47, subdivision (c)), you can't just assume that the person communicating meant to cause harm or was acting with wicked intentions (malice).

If you're trying to sue for defamation in California because of something bad said about you in a newspaper, magazine, or on the radio, you usually need to show actual losses (special damages) unless you've already asked them to fix the statement and they refuse. To demand a correction, you must send a written notice to the publisher or broadcaster within 20 days of the statement's publication. If they don't fix it in a major way within three weeks, you might be able to claim more kinds of damages, like damages for hurt feelings or losses to your reputation, but only if you prove they were malicious. If they correct the statement before you send the demand, it counts the same as if they fixed it after a demand.

This law section explains that the owners and operators of radio and television stations, as well as their employees, are generally not liable for defamatory statements made by others during broadcasts, provided they show they took reasonable care to prevent such statements. If a defamatory statement is made as part of a network broadcast and not initiated by the station, they are not liable. Also, they aren't liable for defamatory statements made on behalf of political candidates if the broadcast is legally protected from being censored. Importantly, this doesn’t affect any other legal rights they may have under different sections.

If someone is accused of child abuse in a criminal case, they can't sue for defamation based on what the child, the child’s parents, or a witness says while the case is going on. This protects people who are helping to prosecute the case. The time limit for starting a lawsuit is paused while the criminal charges are unresolved. If someone does want to sue for defamation, they have to wait until the criminal case is over. Any lawsuit that claims defamation because someone said the plaintiff committed child abuse must include a specific statement that the lawsuit is allowed, or else it can be dismissed. If such a case is dismissed, the winning side gets their legal fees paid. Prosecutors must inform anyone facing a defamation suit that this law exists, and in this context, 'child abuse' is defined according to a specific section of the Penal Code.

This law says if someone reports to a school principal, teacher, counselor, or nurse about a possible violent threat involving a firearm or dangerous weapon at school, the person making the report is only responsible for defamation if it can be clearly shown they knowingly lied or acted recklessly. This applies to communications about threats at public or private schools for kindergarten through 12th grade. If punitive damages are involved, another legal section applies too.

This law protects organizations that run anonymous witness programs and their workers from being sued for damages when they handle tips about potential crimes or share this information with police. However, they lose this protection if they knowingly spread false information, reveal a tipster's name without permission when it's not legally required, or fail to inform a tipster that their identity might need to be disclosed by law. An anonymous witness program involves collecting information about alleged crimes without disclosing the tipster's identity unless legally necessary.

This law protects personal relationships by prohibiting certain harmful actions: It bans taking a child away from their parent or guardian, leading someone under the legal age of consent into sexual conduct, and harming a servant in a way that stops them from doing their job, except for specific cases like seduction, abduction, or illicit conversations.

You are allowed to use necessary force to protect yourself, your property, or the person and property of your family members, relatives, guests, and even people like employees or caretakers, if there's a threat of wrongful harm.

The Unruh Civil Rights Act ensures that everyone in California, regardless of their identity or status, is entitled to equal access to services and advantages in all kinds of businesses. This law covers a wide range of characteristics, including gender, race, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. It makes it illegal for businesses to deny these rights based on perceptions or assumptions about these traits. Additionally, the Act aligns with federal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, it doesn't require businesses to make physical changes to structures unless other laws mandate such actions and does not impose language service requirements beyond existing legal requirements.

If you're involved in a court case in California where certain discrimination laws are being discussed, you must send a copy of your legal brief to the State Solicitor General at the Attorney General's office. If you don't, your brief won't be accepted. However, if you forget, you'll get a chance to fix it before being penalized, and the Attorney General will receive extra time to respond.

This law says businesses in Riverside County can't discriminate against people based on age when selling or renting housing. They can, however, create housing specifically for seniors, as long as it complies with both state and federal laws. Federal rules that prevent discrimination against families still apply. Any age preferences connected with a federal housing program are also not considered discriminatory.

This law aims to support and maintain housing specifically for senior citizens in Riverside County. It defines who qualifies as a senior citizen or permanent resident in such housing, including those aged 62 or older and others living with them, like spouses or caregivers. The rules allow temporary guests under 55 to stay for up to 60 days a year and specify that at least one resident in each unit must be a senior. If a qualified senior is absent or passes away, certain permanent residents can continue living there. The law also ensures that health care residents providing essential care can remain during the senior's absence. Finally, certain developments that once met the senior housing criteria can still qualify, even if they temporarily stopped meeting those standards due to legal issues or agreements.

This section clarifies that California's requirements for senior housing are stricter than federal rules. It ensures that people who were living in senior housing before 1990 in Riverside County won't lose their housing due to new laws. The law particularly applies to housing developments that had certain exemptions under old rules.

This law says businesses can offer discounts or benefits to people who have lost their jobs or had their wages reduced without it being considered unfair discrimination under California's nondiscrimination rules.

This law prevents businesses in California from charging different prices for similar goods based on the gender they are marketed to. Two goods are "substantially similar" if they are made of similar materials, have the same purpose, design, and brand. Price differences are allowed if they are due to manufacturing-related costs or other gender-neutral reasons. If someone violates this rule, the Attorney General can take them to court for penalties and injunctions. Each instance of a price difference is considered a separate violation. There are specific penalties and provisions for how violations are addressed.

The law requires the Civil Rights Department to start a pilot program by January 1, 2025, that recognizes businesses which create environments free from discrimination and harassment. To earn recognition, businesses need to meet certain criteria, like following existing anti-discrimination laws, providing extra training for staff, and informing customers about their rights. Successful businesses receive a certificate and are listed online. This program runs until July 1, 2028, after which it will be evaluated for effectiveness but will not affect any legal defenses in discrimination cases.

This law prevents businesses from discriminating in housing sales or rentals based on age. However, it allows housing specifically for senior citizens if it meets certain requirements, which are detailed in another law (Section 51.3) unless overridden by federal law. For housing built after January 1, 2001, specific features like wide doorways, ramps or elevators, and social spaces must be included to accommodate seniors. The law also clarifies certain court cases and notes that age-based preferences in federally approved programs are not discrimination. Notably, this doesn't apply in Riverside County.

This law is about creating and maintaining housing specifically designed for senior citizens in California. It defines who qualifies as a senior citizen or permanent resident in such housing, with the focus mostly on people over the age of 62. The statute outlines the rights and terms for different kinds of residents: seniors, qualified permanent residents, and health care residents. It includes rules for temporary and permanent residency, especially when a senior citizen is absent due to medical reasons. The development must have at least 35 units and can include an allowance for younger residents under certain conditions. Also, the law maintains that any existing residents as of specific past dates have a right to remain. The law does not apply to Riverside County.

This law explains that California's rules for senior housing are stricter than federal law because there's a big need for housing families with kids. It acknowledges that these requirements can be tough for older buildings, but emphasizes the need to ensure that housing for seniors is specifically designed for their benefit. Also, if someone was living in senior housing before 1990, they can't be forced to leave because of rule changes made in 2000. However, this law does not apply in Riverside County.

This law prohibits any business from discriminating against, boycotting, or refusing to do business with someone based on certain characteristics like race, gender, religion, or others. It applies not only to the person directly but also to their partners or associates if they are perceived to have these characteristics. The term 'person' is broadly defined to include various types of organizations and businesses. The law does not require changes to buildings or structures unless those changes are required by other laws.

This law is called the Gender Tax Repeal Act of 1995 and it aims to prevent businesses from charging different prices for similar services based on a person's gender. Businesses are allowed to charge different prices if the price difference is due to the time, difficulty, or cost of services. Establishments like tailors, barbers, salons, and dry cleaners must clearly display their standard service prices and provide a written price list upon request. If a business does not comply within 30 days of being notified of a violation, they can be fined $1,000. In 2021 and beyond, cities that issue business licenses must inform businesses about these requirements in multiple languages. The law addresses a statewide issue and applies to all cities, including those with their own local governing documents.

The Ralph Civil Rights Act of 1976 makes it illegal for anyone in California to threaten or commit violence against someone because of their political views, personal characteristics, or labor dispute involvement. It covers violence or intimidation by threat of violence, including making false reports to the police or distributing terrorizing materials on private property. Contracts can't force someone to give up their rights under this law as a condition to receive goods or services. Any agreement to waive these rights must be voluntary and not a condition for a contract. Speech alone isn't enough to claim a violation unless it explicitly threatens violence and causes someone to reasonably fear it could happen. There are specific requirements to prove this and exemptions for lawful labor picketing.

This law makes it illegal for franchisors to discriminate when giving out franchises based on certain characteristics like race, gender, or other listed traits of potential franchisees or their community. However, it's okay for franchisors to have programs that help people who might not have enough resources or experience to get a franchise. Also, the law doesn't require any changes to buildings or structures unless other laws already demand it, and it doesn't change the authority of the State Architect regarding construction requirements.

Under this law, someone can be sued for sexual harassment if certain conditions are met. First, there must be a business or professional relationship between the two parties, like with doctors, lawyers, or teachers. Next, the accused must have made unwelcome sexual requests or behaved in a sexually hostile way. The victim must have experienced or be likely to experience harm, such as emotional distress or financial loss, because of the harassment. If these conditions are met, damages can be awarded, and this law doesn't affect other legal remedies or rights. The definition of harassment and standards for liability specifically apply to cases under this section.

This law makes sure that everyone is treated fairly and not discriminated against based on things like race, sex, or disability. If someone denies you certain rights listed in related laws, they can be sued for damages and may have to pay at least $4,000, plus any legal fees. If the discrimination involves threats or violence, like in Sections 51.7 or 51.9, there might be extra penalties up to $25,000. The attorney general or other legal officials can step in if the case is very important to the public. You can also file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department if you think your rights were violated. Lastly, this law doesn't mean you have to change any buildings more than what's already legally required.

This law, known as the Tom Bane Civil Rights Act, protects individuals against threats, intimidation, or coercion that interfere with their rights under U.S. or California law. Individuals who experience such interference can sue for damages and other legal remedies. Prosecutors can also bring actions and seek penalties against violators. Legal actions can be filed in the court where the incident occurred or where the violator resides. Court orders may include warnings that violating them is a crime. Speech alone cannot be used to prosecute unless it threatens violence and the threat is credible. The law emphasizes protecting the peaceable exercise of legal rights without infringing on constitutional speech rights. Importantly, contracts cannot waive rights provided under this section, and certain state immunity provisions don't apply in cases against peace officers.

If you're suing someone under Sections 52 or 54.3, you can take your case to any court that can handle it. If the money you're asking for isn't too much, you can even use small claims court. Just be sure your claim fits within the limits set by the law for small claims.

This law states that no government officials or people acting on their behalf can repeatedly violate people's rights as protected by U.S. or California laws and constitutions. If the Attorney General thinks there is a pattern of such violations, they can take legal action to stop this conduct and protect those rights.

This law allows individuals who have experienced gender violence to sue for damages and other relief against the person responsible. Gender violence includes acts involving physical force or sexual intrusion based on gender. Victims have three years to file a lawsuit, but if the victim was a minor, they have more time. Employers aren't automatically liable unless they personally committed the act. Successful plaintiffs can also get compensation for legal fees.

This law allows people who have experienced violence because of their sexual orientation to sue those responsible for damages. Victims can seek various types of damages, like actual, compensatory, or punitive, and could also get legal fees covered if they win. They have three years to start a lawsuit, with some exceptions for minors. The law defines 'sexual orientation violence' as violent acts committed due to someone's sexual orientation, even if not prosecuted criminally. Employers are not automatically liable for their employees' acts unless they directly committed the act of violence themselves.

If you're a victim of human trafficking, you can sue for damages, including additional punishment if the trafficker acted with malice. You can also ask the court to dismiss debts you were forced to incur due to trafficking. You have seven years to file a lawsuit once you're out of the trafficking situation, or up to 10 years after you turn 18 if you were a minor. If you're unable to sue because of a disability, like being a minor or incapable of making decisions, the time limit for suing is paused. Also, if threats from the trafficker delayed your lawsuit, the trafficker can't use the time limit as a defense. Even during related criminal cases, the time to file a civil suit is paused. If you win, the trafficker's restitution payments can reduce what they owe you, and your civil case pauses while related criminal cases are ongoing. You can also recover attorney's fees and costs if you win.

This law requires certain businesses, like adult-oriented establishments, airports, and bus stations, to display an anti-human trafficking notice where it can be easily seen by the public and employees. The notice must provide contact details for help if someone is being forced into activities, such as forced labor or commercial sex. It needs to be posted in English, Spanish, and another commonly spoken language if applicable. Additionally, relevant businesses must train their staff to recognize and report human trafficking signs. A civil penalty may be imposed if a business fails to comply. Importantly, this law allows local governments to enforce additional rules beyond this state requirement.

This law states that a hotel can face fines if sex trafficking happens on its premises and a supervisor either knew or ignored it, failing to report it within 24 hours. Hotels can also be fined if employees benefit knowingly from sex trafficking activities. If city or county officials suspect a violation, they can file a civil lawsuit to stop the activities and seek fines. The fines start at $1,000 and escalate with repeated violations in a calendar year. Courts can impose even higher fines for multiple offenses, up to $10,000, considering factors like the hotel's guilt and its ability to pay. However, not reporting sex trafficking alone doesn't make the hotel liable to victims, and employees don’t face fines directly under this law. Violating this law doesn’t result in criminal charges, but the hotel might still face charges under other laws. Finally, hotels must educate staff about human trafficking as part of their responsibilities.

This law requires primary ticket sellers at large entertainment venues in California to include a specific notice about human trafficking when selling mobile or electronic tickets. This notice must inform buyers about the resources available, such as text and hotline numbers, if they or someone they know is involved in human trafficking. The notice must be in English, Spanish, and another prominent local language where translations are required by federal law.

This law makes it illegal for anyone to force or pressure another person to get an ID chip implanted under their skin. If someone breaks this rule, they can face fines and may have to pay legal costs. The person who was forced can sue for damages, including extra money if the offender acted with malice or deceit. Lawsuits for these cases must be started within specific time frames, often allowing more time for minors or dependent adults. The law also says that any compensation paid by the offender will reduce the payout from a lawsuit. The law is meant to protect people’s privacy and bodily autonomy and doesn't change other existing laws about parental or guardian rights. It defines various terms, like what counts as an ID device and personal information.

This California law states that if you file and win a civil lawsuit against someone for distributing obscene materials without the correct permissions, you will get your lawyer fees and costs covered. Obscene materials here are defined as content that most people would find offensive, sexually explicit, and having no real artistic or educational value. Unauthorized distribution means the content was made or shared without consent or involves anyone under 18.

This law states that any part of a written document related to real estate that tries to stop or limit selling, renting, or using property because of certain personal characteristics (like race, religion, etc.) is not valid. If someone challenges these unfair restrictions, the court will recognize and treat the documents containing these rules as official evidence, similar to other recognized legal documents.

This law keeps your information private when you stay at hotels or travel on buses. It says hotels and bus companies can't share your personal details, like your name or credit card number, with anyone else unless a California police officer needs it or a court orders them to. This section explains that if they share your info with another company to process payments, they can't use it for anything else. Exceptions include investigations related to public health, civil rights, or consumer protection where the government might still get access to records without personal info. Also, there's a heads-up that these rules don't apply in emergencies where police need information quickly to prevent severe dangers.

This law is about ensuring that minority groups—like those defined by race, ethnicity, nationality, or sexual orientation—are given equal protection in political decision-making processes. It says you can’t change the rules in a way that makes it harder for these groups to have a say in laws that affect their interests. If someone from a minority group believes this has happened, they can challenge the rule in court. For the rule to be valid, the government must prove that any burden it creates is necessary for an important reason and is the least restrictive way to achieve that goal.

This law is about creating special housing for senior citizens that also includes younger people and caregivers. The housing must have certain rules: at least 80% of the units have to be occupied by seniors, while up to 20% can be occupied by caregivers or young adults aged 18-24 who are either former foster youth or homeless. This housing aims to be affordable for low-income households and complies with fair housing laws. The rules make sure that senior housing remains available and that any unit changes are done lawfully, with a focus on inclusivity and support for both seniors and young people in need.