Imagine settling in for a cozy night of streaming, only to be jolted awake by an ear-splitting commercial. Thanks to Governor Gavin Newsom, those days might soon be over.

Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 576, which effectively bans streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu from playing advertisements significantly louder than the shows they interrupt. The legislation mirrors a 15-year-old federal law that regulates TV and cable commercial volumes, extending similar protections to streaming services.

The bill’s origin story is refreshingly relatable. State Senator Tom Umberg crafted the legislation after his legislative director shared how a loud ad unexpectedly woke his infant daughter. “This bill was inspired by baby Samantha and every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work,” Umberg explained.

While the entertainment industry, including the Motion Picture Association of America, initially opposed the measure, arguing that streaming services lack the same ad volume control as traditional broadcasters, the bill passed unanimously through the California Legislature.

The law represents a small but meaningful consumer protection, addressing a widespread annoyance that many streaming users have long complained about. By ensuring commercial volumes remain consistent with program audio, California is prioritizing viewer comfort and reducing unnecessary auditory stress.

This legislation signals a growing trend of state-level interventions in digital consumer experiences. As streaming becomes increasingly central to how we consume media, such targeted regulations could become more common.

For Californians tired of being suddenly blasted by advertisements, relief is on the horizon. The days of frantically reaching for the volume control might soon be behind us.