California Senate Advances Bill Requiring Disclosure for Virtually Staged Real Estate Images

The California Senate's Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee has taken a significant step towards enhancing transparency in real estate marketing. During a meeting on July 7, 2025, the committee discussed a bill aimed at regulating the use of digitally enhanced images in property listings. This legislation seeks to ensure that consumers are clearly informed when images have been altered to depict potential renovations or staging that do not reflect the property's current state.

The bill's proponents emphasized the importance of providing a clear distinction between actual photographs of properties and digitally enhanced representations. Senator Archuleta noted that real estate professionals often hire external agencies for photography, and this regulation would serve as an added layer of security against misleading practices. The goal is to foster trust between realtors and consumers by ensuring that buyers understand what they are viewing is a vision of potential rather than the reality of the property.

The committee acknowledged the growing prevalence of digitally staged images in real estate marketing and the need for a standardized disclosure process. This would help prevent misunderstandings and potential enforcement actions against real estate agents for misrepresentation. The bill is designed not to increase enforcement but to clarify existing disclosure requirements, thereby reducing the likelihood of deceptive practices.

The committee voted on the bill, which passed with a narrow margin of 4 to 3, and it will now move to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further review. This next step will allow for additional scrutiny regarding the legal implications of the proposed regulations.

As the real estate market continues to evolve with digital advancements, this legislation represents a proactive approach to safeguarding consumer interests while supporting the integrity of real estate professionals. The outcome of this bill could set a precedent for how digital marketing practices are regulated in California's real estate sector, ensuring that consumers are well-informed and protected in their property transactions.