Civil Code section 1799.97

(a)

No consumer credit contract shall provide for a security interest in any religious books, religious artifacts, or religious materials, valued at less than five hundred dollars ($500), unless the religious books, artifacts, or materials are specifically pledged as collateral.

(b)

Any provision in any contract which provides for a security interest in violation of subdivision (a) shall be void and unenforceable.

Source: Section 1799.97, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1799.­97.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1984; accessed Oct. 5, 2026).

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Verified:
Oct. 5, 2026

§ 1799.97's source at ca​.gov