CA AB2549

Requires the State Department of Public Health to conduct research and prepare two reports on street harassment in California, with the first report due January 1, 2024, and the second by June 30, 2027.

Defines "street harassment" as words, gestures, or actions directed at a person in a public place without consent based on actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation that the person experiences as intimidating, alarming, terrorizing, or threatening.

Mandates research through surveys and focus groups to identify demographic characteristics of victims and perpetrators, types and frequency of harassment, locations where it occurs, and impact on victims' mental health and freedom of movement.

Requires the department to conduct a five-year statewide public awareness campaign beginning January 1, 2023, utilizing multiple media formats and culturally relevant, multilingual content targeted at disproportionately impacted populations.

Requires annual evaluation and reporting on the campaign's effectiveness, activities, and gaps, with reports published on the department's website.