California Assembly Bill AB412

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/21
• Refer: 2/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/4/21
• Refer: 5/6/21
• Refer: 5/19/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 5/27/21
• Refer: 5/28/21
• Refer: 6/9/21
• Report Pass: 6/22/21
• Refer: 6/23/21
• Report Pass: 7/7/21
• Refer: 7/7/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/2/21
• Vetoed: 10/8/21

Caption

California Commission on Human Rights.

Impact

The bill aims to create a formal structure that prioritizes human rights and seeks remedies for issues faced by groups that have historically experienced discrimination. The commission's responsibilities include examining the impact of California's sanctuary policies, labor protections for marginalized populations, and access to educational opportunities. An important aspect of the proposed commission is to foster intersectionality in its approach, ensuring that various governmental bodies cooperate to enhance human rights policies across the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill 412, also known as the California Commission on Human Rights, seeks to establish a new advisory commission within the California state government. This commission is intended to identify, evaluate, and promote the protection of human rights for individuals living in California. It will focus on the successes and failures in safeguarding rights, particularly among marginalized communities, and report annually to the Legislature and the Governor on the state of human rights in California. The commission will consist of 17 members, including legislators and public members appointed by various officials, including the Governor and the Attorney General.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 412 is generally positive among proponents who see it as a necessary step towards addressing systemic inequalities and enhancing the protection of civil liberties. Many supporters believe that such a commission can lead to improved regulations and outcomes for marginalized groups. However, there may also be concerns from skeptics about the commission being merely advisory and potentially lacking the authority to enforce changes resulting from its findings.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the commission's advisory role, which some critics argue limits its effectiveness. The bill contains provisions that allow the commission to make recommendations without any binding obligation on state agencies to implement them unless specifically legislated. This could lead to disparities in how human rights issues are addressed across different state departments and agencies, leaving critical issues unresolved despite the commission's findings.