WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 1186

Data collection: race and ethnicity: minimum categories.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Darsh Patel and 1 co-sponsor

California standardizes race/ethnicity data across state agencies, requires seven categories with top subcategories published, and creates a Chief Statistician to coordinate data.

In committee: Held under submission.
#datacollection #minimumcategories #raceandethnicity
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1186

AB 1186 — California Reliable and Accurate Data Infrastructure Act

Author: Patel
Subject: Data collection — minimum categories for race and ethnicity
Status: In committee; held under submission (last action: 2025-05-23)
Introduced: February 21, 2025

Purpose / Intent

AB 1186 standardizes how California state agencies collect, publish, and manage race and ethnicity data to improve comparability, completeness, and public reporting while protecting personally identifying information. It also creates a new senior statistical position to coordinate statewide statistical standards and support implementation.

Key provisions

  • Establishes seven minimum race and ethnicity categories that state data collections must include:

    1. American Indian or Alaska Native
    2. Asian
    3. Black or African American
    4. Hispanic or Latino
    5. Middle Eastern or North African
    6. Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
    7. White

  • Requires each state agency, board, or commission that directly or by contract collects demographic data to:

    • Collect data on at least the seven minimum categories.
    • For each minimum category, collect and publish information on the largest detailed subcategories identified under federal OMB SPD‑15 (bill text references the “top six” (and in amendment notes also “top nine”) largest detailed categories as of March 29, 2024) for both print and online forms.
    • Provide (a) a write‑in option for respondents who do not identify with any listed detailed category and (b) a write‑in option within each category to allow additional self‑identification.

  • Exemptions: A data collection may be exempted if the administrative burden outweighs the public benefit. An agency must make a written determination, supported by substantial evidence, for the Demographic Research Unit (DRU) to approve an exemption.

  • Scope: Applies to administrative and survey data collections and to third‑party or commercial data collections used under contracts, partnerships, or agreements by state agencies.

  • Deadlines and reporting:

    • Agencies must begin compliance “as early as reasonably feasible,” but no later than January 1, 2029.
    • On or before January 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, affected agencies must report to the Legislature and the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization on compliance, forms, data publication, and technical assistance efforts (reports must conform to Gov. Code §9795).

  • Data access and privacy:

    • Collected data must be made publicly available in accordance with state and federal law, except personally identifying information (PII) is confidential.
    • Agencies may not disclose PII to any federal agency unless expressly required by federal law.

  • New position: Creates the Chief Statistician of California within the DRU (Dept. of Finance) to:

    • Standardize demographic data collection across state agencies.
    • Coordinate statistical activities, ensure efficiency, confidentiality, integrity, and provide technical assistance.
    • Provide supplemental statistical analyses to complement federal sources (e.g., census, ACS).

Who is affected

  • All California state agencies, boards, and commissions that collect race/ethnicity data directly or by contract.
  • Contractors and third parties collecting demographic data on behalf of state entities.
  • Data users (researchers, policymakers, public) who will gain more standardized and disaggregated data.
  • Individuals: stronger confidentiality protections for personally identifying information.

Implementation & procedural notes

  • Fiscal committee review required (fiscal committee: YES); bill shows “Appropriation: NO” but may have implementation costs (not specified).
  • Legislative progress timeline: Introduced Feb 21, 2025; multiple committee referrals and amendments; passed out of a committee with a 12–0 recommendation on April 8, 2025; referred to Appropriations and currently held under submission (May 23, 2025).
  • Some bill text reflects competing amendment language regarding whether agencies must collect the “top six” or “top nine” detailed categories; that numerical requirement may be resolved in further amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.