California Code, Civil Code - CIV § 1789.31

(a) As used in this title, a “check casher” means a person or entity that for compensation engages, in whole or in part, in the business of cashing checks, warrants, drafts, money orders, or other commercial paper serving the same purpose. “Check casher” does not include a state or federally chartered bank, savings association, credit union, or industrial loan company. “Check casher” also does not include a retail seller engaged primarily in the business of selling consumer goods, including consumables, to retail buyers that cashes checks or issues money orders for a fee not exceeding two dollars ($2) as a service to its customers that is incidental to its main purpose or business.

(b) This section shall become operative December 31, 2004.