Legal Update: On October 7, 2025 Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 635—the Street Vendor Business Protection Act—into law, creating new statewide requirements for how cities and counties regulate sidewalk vending in California. This new legislation builds upon SB 946 (Safe Sidewalk Vending Act) and SB 972 (Compact Mobile Food Operations), adding significant privacy protections for vendors and restrictions on local enforcement authority. Key Provisions of SB 635 1. Privacy Protections and Data Collection LimitsLocal governments may no longer collect or request the following information from sidewalk vendors or Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFOs): Criminal history or background information! Immigration or citizenship status Place of birth The bill also prohibits local authorities from requiring applicants for sidewalk vending permits or business licenses to submit to fingerprinting, LiveScans, or other background checks. 2. Restrictions on Data SharingExcept under specific legal circumstances such as a judicial warrant or subpoena, local governments are barred from sharing vendor information with immigration enforcement or other external entities. Municipalities that...
