On Sep. 5, CAL LEG bill to clarify definition of race, hairstyle as a trait.
CAL LEG passed bill AB 1815 concerning discrimination based on race and hairstyles.
Revise race definition per Unruh civil rights act, Civil Code CAL LEG 1-2-51, California fair employment, housing act (FEHA), Government Code, CAL LEG 2-3-2.8-4-12926.
With specific regard to hair styles or textures associated with a race or racial identity.
Bill Provisions and Existing Laws in Other US States
Current State law, CAL fair employment and housing act, prohibits an employer from discriminating based on hairstyle or texture historically indicative of a particular race.
Per the Act, race includes traits associated with race of which hairstyle is one attribute.
AB 1815 removes term historically when referring to protective hairstyles/hair textures within the definition of race under the California fair employment and housing act.
Also, adds new, amended interpretation and its phrasing to the Unruh civil right act.
Legislative History
On Jan. 10, 2024, bill introduced in Assembly; on May 2, 2024, bill passed Assembly.
On May 2, 2024, bill introduced in Senate; on Aug. 26, 2024, bill passed the Senate.
On Aug. 26, 2024, bill concurred with Senate amendments and ordered to enrolling.
On Aug. 29, 2024, bill enrolled; on Sep. 5, 2024, bill was presented to the governor.
Effectiveness
Date not specified; per State protocol, bill to come in force Jan. 1, 2025.
Sep. 26, 2024 CAL LEG Governor Approval
On Sep. 26, 2024, CAL LEG governor approved bill AB 1815, assigned Chapter 619.
