CA SB659

Increases civil penalties for online businesses (with $100 million+ annual revenue) that violate age verification requirements when selling products illegal to sell to minors, such as tobacco, firearms, ammunition, and electronic cigarettes

Allows parents or legal guardians of minors who acquired restricted products to bring civil actions against violating online businesses, in addition to public prosecutors

Sets tiered civil penalties based on culpability: up to $35,000 (negligent violations), up to $350,000 (knowing/willful violations), or up to $700,000 (intentional violations) per violation and per minor user

Penalties apply per violation and per each minor user of the restricted product or service, significantly multiplying potential liability

Removes previously proposed provisions that would have suspended businesses from operating in California for violating injunctions