Legislation to protect sidewalk vendors and food operators in Mendocino County — and across California — from having their personal data shared with law enforcement has been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Senate Bill 635, coined the Street Vendor Business Protection Act, received Newsom’s signature in early Ocotber. The bill was authored by state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles. The new policy broadens privacy protections for street vendors by limiting how local governments and agencies can collect and use their personal information.
The law limits cities, counties, law enforcement agencies and their private contractors from sharing personal information about sidewalk vendors without a subpoena or judicial warrant. Personal information covered under the bill includes names, business and home addresses, birthdates, driver’s license numbers, and other identifying details.
“While maintaining county health requirements, (SB 635) also protects something deeper — the right to express culture and identity through food, regardless of citizenship status.”
Adrian Mata, Ukiah street vendor
Adrian Mata, owner of El Mitote Cafe, a hot pink coffee truck on South State Street in Ukiah, said the new legislation could help immigrant-owned businesses continue operating without fear that their personal information could be shared with law enforcement.
“While maintaining county health requirements, it also protects something deeper — the right to express culture and identity through food, regardless of citizenship status,” Mata said in an interview.
“As a U.S.-born Latino business owner and street vendor, I’ve seen how hardworking and passionate this community is. Many of us start before sunrise and stay out long after sunset, all for the joy of sharing our culture through our food. Some of America’s most iconic dishes, from pizza to the California burrito, were born from immigrant creativity. This bill allows vendors to focus on their craft and stories rather than more obstacles and fears.”
Law shields immigrant business owners
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has increased arrests of street vendors throughout the state, and these cases have raised concerns about privacy and data collection. If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are conducting raids, they can access personal information about immigrants from local government agencies. But under the new law, immigrants will have more protection.
“Street vendors are a cornerstone of our communities and contribute significantly to California’s vibrant culture and economy,” Durazo said in a news release. “SB 635 ensures that these hardworking entrepreneurs can operate their businesses without fear that their personal information will be turned over to immigration authorities. This law affirms California’s commitment to protect immigrant families, support small business owners, and ensure that our limited state and local resources are not used for federal immigration enforcement.”
The bill will also prohibit local agencies from collecting personal information related to a person’s immigration status, place of birth or criminal history when issuing business or vending permits. It prohibits those agencies from requiring fingerprints or background checks when street vendors apply for permits.
The bill also requires health enforcement agencies, such as county health departments, to accept alternative forms of identification, including an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or municipal ID, in place of a Social Security number.
SB 635 takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. Local agencies that possess information restricted under the new law must destroy those records by March 1, 2026.