Overview

• Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 576 on October 6, 2025, making California the first state to extend TV ad loudness limits to streaming services.
• The statute bars commercials from exceeding the average volume of the surrounding program and directs platforms to meet CALM Act requirements.
• Authored by Sen. Tom Umberg, the measure was sparked by consumer complaints, including a staffer’s newborn repeatedly awakened by loud streaming ads.
• Industry groups initially objected over control and liability concerns, but amendments limiting private lawsuits and assigning enforcement to state authorities reduced opposition.
• With FCC complaints about loud ads rising and many streamers based in California, the move could pressure companies to implement similar changes nationwide.