Bill
AB 449
AB 449 mandates California's Civil Rights Department to launch media campaigns against discrimination, targeting diverse communities and promoting inclusivity by July 2026.
AB 449, introduced by Assemblymember Jackson, aims to enhance efforts against discrimination in California by requiring the Civil Rights Department to develop and implement statewide and regional campaigns. These campaigns will utilize various media platforms, including radio, social media, and television, to discourage discriminatory practices based on characteristics such as disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation.
Campaign Development: The Civil Rights Department is mandated to create and implement antidiscrimination campaigns starting on or before July 1, 2026, or one year after the necessary funding is appropriated.
Working Group Formation: A working group will be established to devise a plan for these campaigns. This group will consist of:
Exemption from Open Meeting Act: The working group will be exempt from the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, allowing for more flexible and confidential discussions to ensure diverse and expert input.
Hate Crime Focus: The campaigns will prioritize advertisements aimed at combating hate violence against specific communities, with the focus determined by the latest hate crime statistics from the California Attorney General.
Funding Requirement: The provisions of this bill will only become operative once the Legislature appropriates the necessary funding and positions in the Budget Act or another legislative measure.
Targeted Communities: The bill is designed to benefit various communities that face discrimination, including those based on disability, gender, nationality, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
Public Awareness: By promoting awareness and understanding of discrimination issues through media campaigns, the bill seeks to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
Legislative Findings: The bill includes legislative findings that justify the limitation on public access to the working group's meetings, emphasizing the need for expert input in campaign development.
Current Status: As of October 13, 2025, the bill has been vetoed by the Governor, and consideration of the veto is pending.
AB 449 represents a significant step towards addressing discrimination in California through proactive public awareness campaigns. By establishing a structured approach to campaign development and focusing on expert input, the bill aims to create a more inclusive environment for all Californians.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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