Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the swearing in of Rohit Chopra as Secretary of California’s new Business and Consumer Services Agency, a cabinet-level entity established to bolster consumer protection, support entrepreneurs, and foster a fair, competitive economy within the state. This move brings a nationally recognized consumer advocate to state government.
The newly formed agency consolidates numerous boards, bureaus, and departments, aiming to enhance coordination and enforcement across vital sectors such as financial services, healthcare, real estate, and agriculture. Governor Newsom emphasized California's commitment to creating a strong backstop against rising costs and uncertainty, especially as federal protections are perceived to be weakening.
Governor Newsom said, "California is stepping up at a moment when too many people throughout the nation are facing rising costs, hidden fees, and growing uncertainty. I am proud to welcome Rohit Chopra, who has spent his career fighting for working families, protecting consumers, and holding powerful interests accountable." He added that together, they will advance affordability, fairness, and economic opportunity.
Secretary Chopra expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as the new agency’s first secretary and advance efforts toward a fair, competitive, and entrepreneurial economy.” He noted that the agency will "sharpen and accelerate work to promote economic growth and protect the public from abuses," addressing harmful and corrupt practices impacting consumers and small businesses.
Chopra's extensive background includes serving as Director of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and as a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission. In these roles, he led initiatives to combat junk fees, corporate misconduct, and anti-competitive behavior. The new agency, which includes departments like Alcoholic Beverage Control, Cannabis Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation, will build on California's existing efforts to crack down on junk fees, increase oversight of oil companies, and lower prescription drug costs.
The agency plans to announce new initiatives, enforcement activities, and programs in the coming year to protect consumers, help small businesses, crack down on harmful practices, and ensure new technologies benefit all Californians.