AB-2064 • 2026

Discrimination: criminal history.

Crime Healthcare Housing

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Sharp-Collins
Last action: 2026-04-15
Official status: From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 3.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about enforcement mechanisms or penalties for violations of the new protections.

Protection Against Discrimination Based on Criminal History

The bill adds formerly incarcerated status and criminal history as protected categories in both the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.

What This Bill Does

Adds 'formerly incarcerated status' to the list of characteristics that cannot be used to discriminate against someone under the Unruh Civil Rights Act.
Adds 'criminal history' as a protected characteristic in both the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.

Who It Names or Affects

People who have been previously incarcerated
Individuals with a criminal record

Terms To Know

formerly incarcerated status: The condition of having served time in prison but now being released.
criminal history: A record of past criminal offenses and convictions.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify how businesses should handle background checks for employment or housing.
The bill's effectiveness depends on enforcement by state agencies.

Bill History

2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 3.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-13 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on JUD. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-12 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
2026-03-02 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-02-19 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 21.
2026-02-18 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2064, as amended, Sharp-Collins.
Discrimination:
formerly incarcerated status.
criminal history.
Existing law, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, provides that all persons within the jurisdiction of this state are entitled to full and equal accommodations in all business establishments regardless of their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, primary language, or immigration status.
This bill would add
formerly incarcerated status,
criminal history,
as defined, to the list of protected characteristics under the Unruh Civil Rights Act.
Existing law, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, declares the public policy of the state to be that it is necessary to protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to seek, obtain, and hold employment without discrimination or abridgment on account of race, religious creed, or color, among other characteristics. The act declares discrimination in housing accommodations because of race, color, or religion, among other characteristics, to be against public policy. In that regard, the act prohibits various forms of employment and housing discrimination, including various types of discrimination because of a person’s race, color, or national origin, among other characteristics.
This bill would add criminal history, as defined, to the list of protected characteristics under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF