Plain English Breakdown
The official text mentions a 'specified exception' to the data collection requirements but does not define what that exception is in this summary.
New Rules for Collecting Race and Ethnicity Data
This law requires California state agencies to collect race and ethnicity data using at least seven minimum categories, the top nine largest detailed groups, and write-in options by January 1, 2029.
What This Bill Does
- Requires state agencies to use at least seven minimum categories for race and ethnicity when collecting demographic data.
- Mandates the collection of data on the top nine largest detailed racial or ethnic groups in addition to the minimum categories.
- Creates a new position called Chief Statistician of California within the Department of Finance's Demographic Research Unit to standardize how agencies collect this data.
- Requires state agencies to submit annual reports to the Legislature and the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization starting January 1, 2027, showing if they are following these rules.
- Makes collected demographic data available to the public while keeping personal identifying information private.
Who It Names or Affects
- State agencies, boards, and commissions that collect race or ethnicity data directly or through contracts.
- The Department of Finance, specifically its Demographic Research Unit.
- Californians whose demographic information is collected by state government programs.
Terms To Know
- Demographic Data
- Information about a population's characteristics, such as race or ethnicity.
- Chief Statistician of California
- A new state job created within the Demographic Research Unit to help standardize how agencies collect and manage demographic data.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill includes a specified exception for certain situations, but the text does not explain what that exception is.
- The exact list of the top nine detailed categories depends on future definitions provided by state officials.
- Personal identifying information cannot be shared with federal agencies unless federal law specifically requires it.