What happened?

On September 26, 2024, Governor Newsom signed AB 1815, amending the California CROWN Act.

Quick Summary:

• The bill redefines race to include traits like hair texture and protective hairstyles, updates anti-discrimination laws, applies retroactively, and incorporates changes from other bills if enacted last.

What are the details?

• Definition of Race: the term “historically” is removed from the definitions of race, thereby defining race to include traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include but are not limited to, braids, locs, and twists.

• Updates to Anti-Discrimination Laws: The bill updates the California Government Code, Education Code, and the Unruh Civil Rights Act to incorporate these new definitions, ensuring protections are in place against discrimination based on natural hairstyles.

• Declaratory of Existing Law: The bill declares that its provisions are declaratory of existing law, meaning it applies retroactively.

• Incorporation of Additional Changes: The bill incorporates additional changes to Section 51 of the Civil Code proposed by SB 1137 and to Section 12926 of the Government Code proposed by SB 1022 and SB 1137.
  • These changes will be operative only if the respective bills are enacted and AB 1815 is enacted last.

Business Considerations

• Employers should update their anti-discrimination policies, training programs, and employee handbooks to reflect these changes.
• Employers should review and adjust any dress codes or grooming policies to ensure compliance with the new definitions.

Source References

• CA AB 1815
• Assembly Bill 1815: Amendments to The CROWN Act Signed by Governor Newsom (Jackson Lewis P.C.)
• California Bill Banning Discrimination Based on Hair Texture and Style Passes (KQED Inc)

Resources

• CA CROWN ACT

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