CA AB501

Designates denim as the official state fabric of California

Recognizes denim jeans as invented in San Francisco during the Gold Rush Era, with patent approval in May 1873

Notes that California produces approximately 75 percent of premium denim jeans sold worldwide and employs more than 200,000 people in the denim industry in southern California

Acknowledges the cotton industry's importance to denim production, with 743 cotton businesses operating in California in 2015 and generating $1.4 billion in revenues

Recognizes denim and cotton companies' sustainability efforts including reduced carbon footprints, water conservation, and recycling programs like Blue Jeans Go Green