SECTIONS 150-153 - California Statutes

WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE

SECTION 150-153

150. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall
apply:
(a) "Collection box" means an unattended cannister, box,
receptacle, or similar device, used for soliciting and collecting
donations of salvageable personal property.
(b) "Commercial fundraiser" shall have the same meaning as in
subdivision (a) of Section 12599 of the Government Code.
(c) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization that is exempt
from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the
United States Internal Revenue Code.
(d) "Salvageable personal property" has the same meaning as in
subdivision (b) of Section 148.

151. (a) The front of every collection box shall conspicuously
display both of the following:
(1) The name, address, telephone number, and, if available, the
Internet Web address of the owner and operator of the collection box.
(2) A statement, in at least two-inch typeface, that either reads,
"this collection box is owned and operated by a for-profit
organization" or "this collection box is owned and operated by a
nonprofit organization." For purposes of this chapter, a commercial
fundraiser shall be classified as a for-profit organization.
(b) If the collection box is owned by a nonprofit organization,
the front of the collection box shall also conspicuously display a
statement describing the charitable cause that will benefit from the
donations.
(c) If the collection box is owned by a for-profit entity, the
front of the collection box shall also conspicuously display a
statement that reads "this donation is not tax deductible." If the
collection box is owned and operated by a commercial fundraiser, the
commercial fundraiser may post notice of donations to a charitable
cause only on the sides of the box. This notice shall always be
smaller in size than the for-profit entity's name and address and
shall constitute only 25 percent of the notice space of the box.

152. A city, county, or city and county shall have the authority to
declare a box that is in violation of this chapter to be a public
nuisance and to abate that nuisance accordingly.

153. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to do either of the
following:
(a) Supersede or in any way limit existing authority of the
Department of Justice over fundraising for charitable purposes.
(b) Limit or infringe upon the powers of a city, county, or city
and county to impose additional requirements upon the solicitation
and sale of salvageable personal property within its jurisdiction.