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Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula. (Photo: Kevin Sanders for California Globe) (Photo: Kevin Sanders for California Globe)

AB 222: Californians with Disabilities

The Civil Rights Department would be required to convene a workgroup to make recommendations to the Legislature

By Chris Micheli, March 3, 2023 11:24 am

Assembly Bill 222 by Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) was introduced to convene a workgroup for Californians with disabilities. AB 222 would add and repeal Government Code Section 12931.5.

Section 1 of the bill would set forth four legislative findings and declarations including that many aspects of state and federal laws need updating to adjust to modern times and 21st century challenges that disabled people face on a daily basis. In addition, it is the intent of the Legislature to establish a workgroup focused on California disability laws and policies.

Section 2 of the bill would add Government Code Section 12931.5. The Civil Rights Department would be required to convene a workgroup to make recommendations to the Legislature for the development of accessibility and antidiscrimination laws for people with disabilities. Members of the workgroup would have to interested parties and stakeholders that reflect the diversity of the state, including representatives from specified groups.

In addition, the workgroup would have to do a number of specified tasks, including examining existing laws and policies related to improving integration and inclusion of people with disabilities; improving the effective enforcement of civil rights laws; reducing the high rates of unemployment, underemployment, and poverty among people with disabilities; and, reviewing available data and identifying additional data needed to assess participation and outcomes for people with disabilities.

By July 1, 2025, the workgroup would be required to submit a report to the Legislature containing recommendations on ways to achieve or advance the goals and priorities specified and the Legislature would be required to hold public hearings on the results of the report within one year of the submission of the report.

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One thought on “AB 222: Californians with Disabilities

  1. Aren’t there already plenty of laws and regulations to protect those with disabilities? Regardless, Democrat Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula wants to establish a “workgroup” for Californians with disabilities. His legislation requires that the members would have to reflect the diversity of the state, including representatives from specified groups. It sounds like more subjective “equity” will be instituted? Will the members of this work group going to be unpaid volunteers or will they be paid employees of the state? Considering this legislation is coming from a radical leftist Democrat, no doubt members of the workgroup will be classified as state employees who will be eligible for union membership? Maybe Democrat Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula is trying to grow California’s already hefty workforce?

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