CA SB873

Expands the Gender Tax Repeal Act of 1995 to prohibit discrimination in pricing of consumer products from the same manufacturer that are substantially similar when priced differently based on gender, with exemptions for bona fide cost factors and color or packaging differences.

Adds new Civil Code Section 51.6.5 (Consumer Products Gender Tax Repeal Act of 2020) creating a separate prohibition on gender-based pricing discrimination for consumer products by retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.

Requires barbers, hair salons, tailors, dry cleaners, and laundries to post clear pricing lists in at least 14-point boldface type and display a conspicuous notice about the gender pricing prohibition, with a $1,000 civil penalty for violations not corrected within 30 days.

Gives the Department of Fair Employment and Housing authority to receive, investigate, conciliate, mediate, and prosecute complaints alleging violations of the new gender pricing protections.

Increases maximum civil liability for gender-based pricing discrimination to three times actual damages (minimum $4,000) plus attorney's fees, making remedies enforceable through both private lawsuits and department actions.