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AB 995

Department of Justice: phone scams.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Caloza

AB 995 requires DOJ to publish a public online database of known phone scams with updates, reporting tools, and annual trend reports through 2032.

In committee: Held under submission.
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Bill Summary · AB 995

AB 995 (Caloza) — Department of Justice: phone scams

Status: In committee — Held under submission (Assembly Appropriations, last action 2025‑05‑23)
Introduced: February 20, 2025

Purpose / Intent

AB 995 requires the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to create and maintain an online, public database of known phone scams. The stated goals are to empower consumers, assist law enforcement in tracking emerging threats, and reduce the prevalence of phone‑based fraud.

Key provisions

  • Adds Government Code §15006.5.
  • Deadline to publish database: on or before January 1, 2027.
  • Database content and tools (must include all of the following):
    • A list of known scam phone numbers.
    • Current details about the most frequently reported scams.
    • Descriptions of common tactics used by scammers.
    • Guidance for identifying and avoiding fraudulent communications.
    • A mechanism for the public to report suspected scams to the DOJ.
    • A search tool enabling public searches by key terms (e.g., source of scam).
  • Data maintenance: DOJ must verify reports of suspected phone scams and update the database at least monthly.
  • Annual reporting: On or before January 1, 2028, and each January 1 thereafter until repeal, DOJ must submit to the Legislature a report describing the number of reported and known phone scams and the most common types of scams during the prior calendar year. Reports must comply with Government Code §9795 (legislative data submission requirements).
  • Sunset: The section is repealed automatically on January 1, 2033.

Who would be affected

  • Consumers: gain public access to scam identifiers, safety guidance, and a reporting channel.
  • Law enforcement and regulators: receive centralized, DOJ‑managed data to monitor trends and coordinate responses.
  • Department of Justice: required to implement, verify, update, and report; operational duties may require staff/time and technical resources.
  • Businesses and telephone providers: indirectly affected through public listings and possible investigative follow‑up (no direct regulatory or enforcement duties in the bill text).

Procedural / fiscal notes

  • No appropriation is specified in the bill text; bill labeling indicates "Appropriation: NO" but it was referred to the fiscal committee (Fiscal Committee: YES), suggesting potential workload or administrative costs for DOJ will be reviewed.
  • Legislative history highlights referral through several committees (Energy, Utilities & Communications; Privacy & Consumer Protection; Appropriations) and amendment activity; most recent status: held under submission in Assembly Appropriations (05/23/2025).

Practical implications

AB 995 creates a time‑limited public information tool and reporting requirement intended to centralize scam intelligence. It imposes operational responsibilities on DOJ (verification and monthly updates) and produces annual data to inform the Legislature about phone‑scam trends through 2032.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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