State Senator Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, said he introduced the new law, SB946, in response to stories from vendors about being harassed and arrested.
Lara’s bill, which was signed into law Sept.17, legalizes street vending statewide and allows cities to establish permit programs.
Any violations would result in administrative fines that would be determined based on ability-to-pay. Vendors who have been previously convicted under local anti-vending laws may petition for a court dismissal.
“The new state law does not affect the city’s portion of this," said Sam Harrison from the City of Chico Engineering Department. "You would be required to obtain insurance to be in the city’s right of way. There would still be an application fee and a business license required.
"The only thing that would change,” he said, “If it did, from my understanding, it would be the portion related to food preparation, and that is overseen by Butte County.”
The City of Chico has licensed 16 vendors within the public right of away, some of whom work on the Chico State campus.