Californianos tendrían nueva forma de demandar a las grandes empresas. Algunos demócratas están nerviosos

California legislators are debating whether state residents should be able to sue companies that use unfair tactics to crush competition. Assembly Bill 1776 would expand the state's antitrust law to allow private lawsuits in such cases. Currently, California law generally requires evidence that multiple parties colluded to suppress competition. Supporters—including unions and trial lawyers—argue the change is necessary because federal courts have weakened antitrust enforcement. Per CalMatters, over seventy-five percent of American industries have consolidated since the late nineteen-nineties. Supporters say the law would help keep independent groceries, pharmacies, and restaurants competitive and give consumers more choice. But California's business and tech industries are fiercely opposed, arguing the bill invites frivolous lawsuits and makes the state hostile to enterprise. The plot twist: some moderate Democrats, who historically vote with unions, are nervous. State Senator Tom Umberg, the judiciary committee chair, wants enforcement limited to prosecutors only, not private citizens. The bill narrowly passed committee with over fifteen Democrats abstaining—a silent way to show dissent without outright opposition. A compromise amendment now protects small businesses with under one hundred employees and at least ten million dollars in annual revenue. The bill will be reviewed again by the Senate in early August.

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