California Assembly Bill AB313

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/21
• Refer: 2/12/21
• Report Pass: 4/19/21
• Refer: 4/19/21
• Refer: 5/5/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 5/27/21
• Refer: 5/28/21
• Refer: 6/9/21
• Report Pass: 7/13/21
• Refer: 7/13/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/9/21
• Chaptered: 10/5/21
• Passed: 10/5/21

Caption

Civil service: Limited Examination and Appointment Program.

Impact

AB 313 retains and builds upon existing frameworks while establishing new requirements that aim to increase the efficacy of recruitment and retention efforts for individuals with disabilities. By formalizing the need for reasonable accommodation at the agency level, the bill empowers departments to structure their hiring processes to be more inclusive and comprehensive, ensuring compliance with both state and federal laws. The Department of Human Resources is tasked with reviewing these plans annually, as well as reporting back to the Legislature by December 31, 2025, on the progress made regarding employment rates for persons with disabilities. This structured accountability aims to pivot towards a more inclusive workforce.

Summary

Assembly Bill 313, introduced by Cristina Garcia, modifies the existing structures and provisions related to the Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) under California's civil service laws. The bill aims to enhance the hiring process for individuals with disabilities, addressing a decline in their representation within the state workforce. It introduces mandatory reasonable accommodation policies for each state agency and mandates annual reviews of affirmative action employment plans submitted by these agencies. The intention is to streamline and improve the employment opportunities for persons with disabilities across state employment sectors.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB 313 appears to be supportive, notably among advocacy groups and stakeholders who champion disability rights and employment equity. Supporters laud the bill as a significant step towards fulfilling California's commitment to become a model employer for individuals with disabilities. However, there may be underlying concerns about the enforcement of the measures and whether adequate resources will be allocated to implement these policies effectively. Discussions in legislative circles reveal a shared understanding of the importance of expanding inclusion for individuals with disabilities in state employment, yet skepticism remains on the operationalization of these provisions.

Contention

While AB 313 aims to improve the hiring pipeline for individuals with disabilities, there were debates around the adequacy of the resources dedicated for the implementation of its provisions. Some legislators and stakeholders voiced concerns about whether current agencies have the capacity to execute new policies related to reasonable accommodations and affirmative action plans without additional funding or support. The success of AB 313 hinges on systematic changes within state agencies and their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, suggesting that ongoing monitoring and potential adjustments be required to meet the objectives set forth in the legislation.