CA AB1878

Requires all California state agencies, boards, and commissions collecting demographic data on race or ethnicity to collect and publish detailed race and ethnicity categories in accordance with federal Office of Management and Budget standards (SPD 15) by January 1, 2029

Mandates that demographic data collection forms include write-in options for respondents who do not identify with listed categories and additional self-identification options within each category when feasible

Directs the Office of Data and Innovation to standardize demographic data collection across state agencies, organize quarterly consultations with race and ethnicity data experts, and coordinate interagency implementation through a working group

Requires annual compliance reports to the Legislature starting January 1, 2028, detailing data collection, analysis, publication efforts, and forms used by each agency

Prohibits state agencies from disclosing personally identifying information to federal agencies unless expressly required by federal law, and requires agencies to apply data equity practices and follow state data minimization and privacy guidelines