Assembly Member Bryan's legislation to freeze residential rent increases in Los Angeles County responds to the January 2025 Palisades Fire emergency declaration, while expanding district attorneys' authority to prosecute price gouging during declared emergencies. The measure prohibits property owners from raising rents above rates charged on January 7, 2025, with violations subject to civil penalties up to $10,000.

The bill amends California's price gouging statute to explicitly authorize district attorneys to prosecute cases involving excessive price increases during emergencies. Under existing law, businesses cannot raise prices more than 10% above pre-emergency levels for essential goods and services, including food, medical supplies, emergency supplies, and housing. The amendments maintain these restrictions while clarifying enforcement jurisdiction.

These provisions remain in effect until 12 months after the Governor terminates the emergency declaration for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The bill preserves existing local price control ordinances and allows jurisdictions to extend emergency pricing restrictions in 30-day increments as conditions warrant. Property owners may seek exceptions if they demonstrate that price increases directly result from higher supplier costs or additional labor expenses during the emergency period.