Signed by Governor Jerry Brown, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires a mobile communication device to include a technological solution that can render the device inoperable to an unauthorized user.

Highlights:

• Requires all “advanced mobile communication devices” manufactured,  sold, or shipped to a consumer in California to include a technological solution that can render the device’s essential features inoperable if it is not in possession of the rightful owner (Sec. 2).

• Defines “advanced mobile communications device” as an electronic device that is regularly hand held when operated that enables the user to engage in voice communications and access the internet, and is limited to what are commonly known as smartphones (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the rightful owner of an advanced mobile communication device to disable the technological solution at the point of sale, during activation and registration, or anytime thereafter (Sec. 2).

• Requires the technological solution be reversible by the device’s rightful owner (Sec. 2).

• Establishes a civil penalty of no less than $500 and no more than $2,500 per device sold in violation of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 2).

• Exempts devices that are resold on the secondhand market or consigned from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill apply to advanced mobile communication devices sold on or after July 1, 2015 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires a mobile communication device to include a technological solution that can render the device inoperable to an unauthorized user.

Highlights:

• Requires all “advanced mobile communication devices” sold in or shipped to a consumer in California to include a technological solution that can render the device’s essential features inoperable if it is not in possession of the rightful owner (Sec. 2).

• Defines “advanced mobile communication device” as an electronic device that is regularly hand held when operated that enables the user to engage in voice communications and access the internet, and includes what are commonly known as smartphones and tablets (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the rightful owner of an advanced mobile communication device to disable the technological solution after sale (Sec. 2).

• Requires the technological solution to be reversible by the device’s rightful owner (Sec. 2).

• Establishes a civil penalty of no less than $500 and no more than $2,500 per device sold in violation of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 2).

• Exempts devices that are resold on the secondhand market or consigned from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill apply to advanced mobile communication devices sold on or after January 1, 2015 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text