Pet Policy Transparency Act Passes California State Assembly
SB 1296 clears major legislative milestone and returns to Senate for concurrence
SACRAMENTO — Michelson Center for Public Policy applauds the California State Assembly’s passage of SB 1296, the Pet Policy Transparency Act, marking a major step toward establishing a more transparent and efficient rental application process for California renters and housing providers alike.
Authored by Sen. María Elena Durazo and co-authored by Assemblymembers Matt Haney and Isaac G. Bryan, SB 1296 is a bipartisan measure shaped by input from both renters and housing providers. The bill would require landlords to disclose their pet policies before charging an application fee. The commonsense measure would help renters determine whether a property meets their needs before applying, while helping housing providers avoid unnecessary applications and screening. The bill does not require landlords to allow pets or dictate the terms of their pet policies.
The following is a statement from Senator María Elena Durazo, author of SB 1296:
“Renters deserve to know upfront whether a home will work for their family, pets included. SB 1296 puts that information on the table before an application fee changes hands. I look forward to bringing it back to the Senate floor.”
The following is a statement from Jennifer Naitaki, Senior Advisor to the Michelson Center for Public Policy:
“Today’s Assembly vote brings California closer to a clearer, more transparent rental application process for all involved. SB 1296 gives renters basic pet policy information before they pay an application fee, and helps housing providers receive better-informed applicants from the start. We thank the Assembly for advancing this commonsense measure, and Assemblymember Matt Haney for his instrumental leadership in guiding the bill through the Assembly.”
Following its passage by the Assembly, SB 1296 will return to the Senate for concurrence in Assembly amendments before it can be sent to the governor.
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The Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP) is a 501(c)(4) organization advancing legislative change through strategic collaboration with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and civic leaders. Focused on education, equity, justice, medical research, and animal welfare, MCPP complements the work of Michelson Philanthropies through bold, effective advocacy. Learn more at www.michelsonpolicy.org.
