CA AB1820

Authorizes the Department of Fair Employment and Housing to bring civil actions for violations of federal civil rights laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the federal Fair Housing Act.

Expands the department's enforcement authority to prosecute civil actions in state and federal trial courts under these federal statutes in addition to existing state law enforcement powers.

Maintains the department's existing functions to receive, investigate, conciliate, mediate, and prosecute complaints under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act and related civil rights provisions.

Adds specific authorization for the department to pursue civil actions for human trafficking violations under Section 236.1 of the Penal Code, with damages awarded to harmed persons and costs/attorney's fees awarded to the department.