CA AB898

Expands restrictions on deceptive solicitations by nongovernmental entities to include federal government references; increases maximum criminal fine from $1,000 to $2,500 and authorizes treble damages (three times the amount solicited) for violations.

Requires specific disclosure language ("THIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY") to appear conspicuously on front and back of every page and on mailing envelopes in 12-point boldface capital letters.

Adds "board" and "commission" to prohibited terms for assessment reduction filing services when used with "appeal" or "tax" in business names; strengthens requirements for disclosures in assessment reduction service advertisements.

Prohibits proof of execution for powers of attorney, grant deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, quitclaim deeds, security agreements, and any instrument requiring notary thumbprints; limits notary protest duties to those employed by financial institutions.

Deletes maximum fee schedules for protesting promissory notes and bills of exchange; authorizes Secretary of State to refuse filings based on reasonable belief they are unlawful, fraudulent, or made in bad faith.