1. (a) Prior to operating as a data broker, a business must do the following:

   1. (1) Create a DROP account in accordance with section 7610;
   2. (2) Begin accessing the DROP in accordance with Civil Code section 1798.99.86 and this Chapter within 45 calendar days of commencing operation as a data broker; and

   3. (3) Pay a first-time access fee as follows, unless the data broker has already paid a registration fee that calendar year:

      1. (A) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in January, the access fee is $6,000.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      2. (B) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in February, the access fee is $5,500.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      3. (C) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in March, the access fee is $5,000.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      4. (D) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in April, the access fee is $4,500.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      5. (E) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in May, the access fee is $4,000.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      6. (F) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in June, the access fee is $3,500.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      7. (G) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in July, the access fee is $3,000.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      8. (H) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in August, the access fee is $2,500.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      9. (I) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in September, the access fee is $2,000.00 plus an associated third-party fees for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      10. (J) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in October, the access fee is $1,500.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      11. (K) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in November, the access fee is $1,000.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
      12. (L) If the data broker accesses the DROP for the first time in December, the access fee is $500.00 plus an associated third-party fee for processing electronic payments not to exceed 2.99%.
   4. (4) A data broker must pay the access fee in the method provided for in section 7600, subsections (b) and (c).
2. (b) A data broker described in subsection (a) must comply with all registration requirements in this Chapter during the registration period following the year it begins operating as a data broker.

Note: Authority cited: Section 1798.99.87, Civil Code. Reference: Sections 1798.99.81, 1798.99.82 and 1798.99.86, Civil Code.

History

1. New section filed 11-6-2025; operative 1-1-2026 (Register 2025, No. 45). Subsections (a)(3)(A)-(L) exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act pursuant to Civil Code section 1798.99.87(b).