SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, the California State Assembly passed legislation introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) implementing a statewide prohibition on the sale and transfer of new fur products in California. The measure, Assembly Bill 44, would make California the first state in the nation to ban the sale or transfer of fur.
“AB 44 will usher in a more sustainable and cruelty-free future for the fashion industry and California consumers alike,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale). “It is really encouraging to see the bipartisan support that this bill is getting in the legislature, and I’m optimistic about its prospects in the State Senate.”
AB 44 would make it unlawful to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, give donate or otherwise distribute a fur product in the state. The prohibition would apply only to the sale and manufacture of products including, but not limited to clothing, handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, or key chains that contain fur and provides for a civil penalty for each violation.
The bill exempts leather, cowhide, and shearling, as well as fur products used for religious purposes. The bill also has provisions that exempt taxidermy products, fur from an animal lawfully taken with a hunting license, and used fur.
“Today’s consumers care about cruelty to animals and our environment more than ever, and fashion brands are responding,” said P.J. Smith, Director of Fashion Policy at the Humane Society. “We commend Assemblymember Friedman for her leadership and commitment to a fur-free future and look forward to California becoming the first state to embrace cruelty-free fashion by banning fur sales.”
"With this vote and Assemblymember Friedman's fearless leadership, we have shown that as Californians we stand for ethics, progress and positive change.” said Marc Ching, Founder of the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation. “As a state we have always led when it comes to animal welfare and by passing AB 44, we will be showing the country and cities around the world that California will continue to have a thriving fashion industry without fur."
AB 44 passed the Assembly on a vote of 52-16 and will now make its way through the State Senate. If signed into law, the bill will go into effect in January 1, 2021.
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Laura Friedman represents the 43rd Assembly District which encompasses the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge, as well as the communities of La Crescenta and Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, Beachwood Canyon, Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, and Silver Lake.