AB 325: Cartwright Act: violations.

This bill aims to add new provisions to the business and professions code. It would require complaints for violating the Cartwright Act to contain factual allegations demonstrating the plausibility of a contract, combination, or conspiracy to restrain trade or commerce. The bill also makes it unlawful for a person to use or distribute a common pricing algorithm as part of a contract, combination, or conspiracy to restrain trade or commerce. Additionally, it prohibits coercing another person to set or adopt a recommended price or commercial term recommended by a common pricing algorithm. The bill expands the scope of activities prohibited by the Cartwright Act, making the violation punishable as a crime. As a result, a state-mandated local program will be imposed. No reimbursement is required for a specified reason.