AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 17, 2024
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION
98
Introduced by Assembly Member Gipson
(Coauthors: Assembly Members Juan Carrillo and Lowenthal)
February 15, 2024
An act to add Division 1.1 (commencing with Section 473) to and repeal Section 115.7 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to professions and vocations.
Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal committee: yes Local program: no
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
Existing law prescribes requirements for licensure and regulation of various businesses and professions, including healing arts and real estate businesses and professions, by various boards, bureaus, commissions, committees, and departments. establishes the Department of Consumer Affairs, which is composed of specified boards that license and regulate various professions.
This bill would require those boards to prioritize African American applicants seeking licenses under these provisions, especially applicants who are descended from a person enslaved
in the United States. The bill would define various terms for these purposes. repeal those provisions on January 1, 2029.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 115.7 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
115.7.
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a board shall prioritize African American applicants seeking licenses, especially applicants who are descended from a person enslaved in the United States.
(b) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.
Division 1.1 (commencing with Section 473) is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
1.1.
Prioritization of Licenses
473.
(a) For purposes of this division:
(1) “Board” includes “bureau,” “commission,” “committee,” “department,” “division,” “examining committee,” “program,” and “agency.”
(2) “License” includes certificate, registration, or other means to engage in a business or profession regulated by this code.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a board shall prioritize African American applicants seeking licenses, especially applicants who are descended from a person enslaved in the United States.