Evan Low's Toy Aisle Bill Impact
- Assemblyman Evan Low's proposed bill could reshape toy aisles for Campbell shoppers. - The legislation targets gender-based marketing restrictions in stores across California. - Local families may see more inclusive toy selections if the bill passes (patch.com).
California’s toy-aisle fight is no longer a proposal: Assembly Bill 1084 took effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and big retailers in Campbell now have to offer a gender-neutral children’s section. (patch.com) The law applies to retail department stores physically located in California with 500 or more employees across their California locations that sell toys or childcare items. It requires a “gender neutral section or area” with a “reasonable selection” of products, and stores can choose how to label it. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov) For Campbell shoppers, that means chains large enough to meet the 500-employee threshold may need to change how children’s products are displayed, while smaller local shops are not covered by the statute. First violations can draw civil penalties of up to $250, rising to $500 for later violations. (patch.com) The measure was written by then-Assemblymember Evan Low, a Democrat from Campbell, with Assemblymember Cristina Garcia. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it on Oct. 9, 2021, after similar efforts in 2019 and 2020 failed. (legiscan.com) (patch.com) The law does not ban stores from selling dolls, trucks, science kits or glitter sets. It targets the store layout and marketing signposts that sort children’s products as “for boys” or “for girls,” and instead requires at least one mixed section. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov) (newsmax.com) Low said he introduced the bill after an 8-year-old girl asked, “Why should a store tell me what a girl’s shirt or toy is?” He said the aim was to let children choose products without being steered by gender labels. (advocate.com) Opponents argued the state was reaching too far into private retail decisions. The California Family Council told CNN the law forces stores to carry what it called government-approved messages about gender and sexuality. (patch.com) So the practical effect in Campbell is narrower than early headlines suggested: shoppers may see an added inclusive section in large chain stores, not a wholesale disappearance of every traditional toy display. The bill changed how qualifying stores must present some children’s products, and that rule is already on the books. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov) (patch.com)
