• GENERAL PROVISIONS
• DIVISION 1. DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS [100 – 472.5]
• DIVISION 1.5. DENIAL, SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF LICENSES [475 – 499]
• DIVISION 2. HEALING ARTS [500 – 4999.129]
• DIVISION 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY [5000 – 9998.11]
• DIVISION 4. REAL ESTATE [10000 – 11506]
• DIVISION 5. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES [12001 – 13800]
• DIVISION 6. BUSINESS RIGHTS [14000 – 14704]
• DIVISION 7. GENERAL BUSINESS REGULATIONS [16000 – 18001]
• DIVISION 8. SPECIAL BUSINESS REGULATIONS [18400 – 22949.80]
• DIVISION 8.5. STOP TOBACCO ACCESS TO KIDS ENFORCEMENT ACT [22950 – 22964]
• DIVISION 8.6. CIGARETTE AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS LICENSING ACT OF 2003 [22970 – 22991]
• DIVISION 9. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES [23000 – 25762]
• DIVISION 10. Cannabis [26000 – 26325]
• PREAMBLE: We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure and perpetuate its blessings, do establish this Constitution.
• ARTICLE I DECLARATION OF RIGHTS [SECTION 1 – SEC. 32]
• ARTICLE II VOTING, INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM, AND RECALL [SECTION 1 – SEC. 20]
• ARTICLE III STATE OF CALIFORNIA [SEC. 1 – SEC. 9]
• ARTICLE IV LEGISLATIVE [SEC. 1 – SEC. 28]
• ARTICLE V EXECUTIVE [SECTION 1 – SEC. 14]
• ARTICLE VI JUDICIAL [SEC. 1 – SEC. 22]
• ARTICLE VII PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES [SECTION 1 – SEC. 11]
• ARTICLE IX EDUCATION [SECTION 1 – SEC. 16]
• ARTICLE X WATER [SECTION 1 – SEC. 7]
• ARTICLE X A WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT [SECTION 1 – SEC. 8]
• ARTICLE X B MARINE RESOURCES PROTECTION ACT OF 1990 [SECTION 1 – SEC. 16]
• ARTICLE XI LOCAL GOVERNMENT [SEC. 1 – SEC. 15]
• ARTICLE XII PUBLIC UTILITIES [SECTION 1 – SEC. 9]
• ARTICLE XIII TAXATION [SEC. 1 – SEC. 36]
• ARTICLE XIII A [TAX LIMITATION] [SECTION 1 – SEC. 7]
• ARTICLE XIII B GOVERNMENT SPENDING LIMITATION [SEC. 1 – SEC. 15]
• ARTICLE XIII C [VOTER APPROVAL FOR LOCAL TAX LEVIES] [SECTION 1 – SEC. 3]
• ARTICLE XIII D [ASSESSMENT AND PROPERTY-RELATED FEE REFORM] [SECTION 1 – SEC. 6]
• ARTICLE XIV LABOR RELATIONS [SECTION 1 – SECTION 5]
• ARTICLE XV USURY [SECTION 1]
• ARTICLE XVI PUBLIC FINANCE [SECTION 1 – SEC. 23]
• ARTICLE XVIII AMENDING AND REVISING THE CONSTITUTION [SEC. 1 – SEC. 4]
• ARTICLE XIX MOTOR VEHICLE REVENUES [SECTION 1 – SEC. 10]
• ARTICLE XIX A LOANS FROM THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACCOUNT OR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS [SECTION 1 – SEC. 2]
• ARTICLE XIX B MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL SALES TAX REVENUES AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT FUNDING [SECTION 1 – SEC. 2]
• ARTICLE XIX C [ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS] [SECTION 1 – SEC. 4]
• ARTICLE XIX D VEHICLE LICENSE FEE REVENUES FOR TRANSPORTATION PURPOSES [SECTION 1]
• ARTICLE XX MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS [SEC. 1 – SEC. 23]
• ARTICLE XXI REDISTRICTING OF SENATE, ASSEMBLY, CONGRESSIONAL AND BOARD OF EQUALIZATION DISTRICTS [SECTION 1 – SEC. 3]
• ARTICLE XXII [ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES] [SECTION 1 – SEC. 2]
• ARTICLE XXXIV PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT LAW [Section 1 – Section 4]
• ARTICLE XXXV MEDICAL RESEARCH [SECTION 1 – SEC. 7]

Division 1 of the California Business and Professions Code (Sections 100–472.5) is dedicated to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). This division establishes the organizational structure, powers, and overarching duties of the DCA, a critical state agency responsible for safeguarding consumer interests through the regulation of numerous professional licensing boards and bureaus [Insight 6].

By dedicating the initial major division to the DCA, the legislature emphasizes the state's strong commitment to consumer protection. This centralized department plays a pivotal role in setting standards, overseeing licensing processes, and addressing consumer complaints across a wide range of industries and professions.

As highlighted in Snippet B29, entities within the Department of Consumer Affairs are required to provide online access to information regarding license status and enforcement actions, underscoring the department's role in promoting transparency and public access to regulatory information. Furthermore, Snippet B33 indicates that the definition of "board" includes entities listed in Section 101, which likely falls within this division. This suggests that Division 1 also lays the groundwork for understanding the structure and composition of the various regulatory boards operating under the DCA's purview.

Division 1.5 (Sections 475–499) specifically addresses the denial, suspension, and revocation of professional and business licenses in California. This division is critical for ensuring accountability within licensed professions and businesses, providing a legal framework for disciplinary actions against those who fail to meet required standards of conduct or competence [Insight 7].

By dedicating a separate division to these disciplinary measures, the code underscores the state's commitment to maintaining high standards within its licensed professions and industries. This framework provides due process for licensees while also protecting the public from potential harm caused by unqualified or unethical practitioners.

Division 2 (Sections 500–4999.455) is a comprehensive division regulating the "Healing Arts," encompassing a wide array of healthcare professions and practices. This includes professions such as medical doctors, nurses (as indicated by Snippet S10), dentists, pharmacists, therapists (including licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed psychologists, and licensed professional clinical counselors mentioned in Snippets B27 and B29), and various allied health professionals.

The inclusion of the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California (Snippet B42) also falls under this division. Division 2 likely establishes detailed licensing requirements, defines the scope of practice for each profession, and sets forth standards of professional conduct to ensure quality and ethical healthcare delivery [Insight 8].

The broad scope of professions covered under "Healing Arts" demonstrates California's comprehensive approach to regulating the healthcare sector, ensuring a baseline level of competency and ethical conduct across different types of practitioners who provide medical or therapeutic services to the public.

Division 3 (Sections 5000–9998.11) regulates a diverse range of professions and vocations that fall outside the scope of the Healing Arts and Real Estate. Examples include Alarm Companies, as indicated by Chapter 11.6, Article 1, which specifically addresses their regulation. Additionally, the regulation of Contractors, discussed in Snippet S5 and referencing Sections 7028 and 7159 BPC, also falls under this division.

Snippet S5 highlights stringent licensing requirements, increased penalties for unlicensed contracting, and strengthened consumer protection measures within the construction industry. Division 3 likely contains specific licensing requirements, regulations, and standards of practice tailored to the unique needs and impacts of these diverse professions and vocations [Insight 9].

The inclusion of sectors as varied as alarm companies and contractors underscores the code's broad reach in regulating non-medical professional activities, reflecting the state's interest in ensuring competence, ethical behavior, and consumer protection across a wide spectrum of industries.

Division 4 (Sections 10000–11506) is specifically dedicated to the regulation of the real estate industry in California. This division likely governs the licensing and conduct of real estate brokers, agents, appraisers, and other professionals involved in real estate transactions.

The inclusion of the Department of Real Estate in Snippet B33 within the definition of "board" indicates this division's administrative oversight. The importance of this dedicated division stems from the significant economic impact of the real estate sector and the need for specific regulations to protect consumers involved in often high-value transactions [Insight 10].

Real estate transactions are often among the most significant financial decisions individuals and businesses make, necessitating tailored regulations to address the unique complexities and potential risks associated with buying, selling, and managing real property.

Division 5 (Sections 12001–13800) focuses on establishing and regulating standards for weights and measures used in commercial transactions throughout California. This division likely sets forth the requirements for the accuracy and calibration of weighing and measuring devices used in trade, ensuring fairness and preventing fraud in commercial exchanges [Insight 11]. Accurate weights and measures are fundamental to maintaining fair and transparent commercial transactions, and this division plays a crucial role in ensuring reliability in the marketplace.

Division 6 (Sections 14000–14704) pertains to the legal rights and protections afforded to businesses operating within California. This division likely covers areas such as trademarks, trade names, unfair competition, and potentially other aspects of intellectual property and business identity [Insight 12]. Protecting the legal rights of businesses is essential for fostering a healthy and competitive economic environment.

Division 7 (Sections 16000–18001) contains broad regulations that apply generally to businesses across various sectors in California. This division likely covers a wide range of business practices, including advertising standards, prohibitions against unfair competition and deceptive practices, and other general rules of conduct [Insight 13]. Establishing overarching rules of conduct for all businesses helps to create a level playing field and ensures a basic standard of ethical behavior in the marketplace.

Division 8 (Sections 18400–22948.25) encompasses specific regulations tailored to particular types of businesses or industries that require specialized rules beyond the general regulations outlined in Division 7. This division likely addresses the unique operational characteristics and potential impacts of certain industries, requiring targeted regulations to address specific concerns [Insight 14]. Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach to business regulation is often insufficient, the legislature created this division to address the specific needs and challenges of particular industries.

Division 8.5 (Sections 22950–22964) is dedicated to the Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement (STAKE) Act. This division specifically focuses on regulations and enforcement measures aimed at preventing the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors, reflecting a strong public policy objective to protect children's health [Insight 15].

Division 8.6 (Sections 22970–22991) establishes the California Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003. This division mandates a licensing system for all businesses involved in the wholesale or retail sale of cigarettes and tobacco products in California, allowing the state to better control the distribution and sale of these products [Insight 16].

Division 9 (Sections 23000–25762) comprehensively regulates the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages within California. This division is highly detailed, particularly Chapter 1, which focuses on General Provisions and Definitions. This chapter provides an extensive list of definitions for various types of alcoholic beverages, different categories of licensees, and related terms [Insight 17]. The sheer volume and specificity of these definitions underscore the complex regulatory landscape of the alcoholic beverage industry.

Division 10 (Sections 26000–26211) is dedicated to the regulation of marijuana (cannabis) in California. This division establishes the comprehensive legal framework for the cannabis industry in the state, covering aspects such as licensing for cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail sale, as well as regulations related to product standards, testing, and taxation [Insight 18]. Following the legalization of cannabis in California, the creation of this dedicated division was necessary to establish a robust regulatory structure for this emerging industry.