CA SB515

Requires cities, counties, and cities and counties (including charter cities) to include additional demographic collection categories for Black or African American groups when collecting ancestry or ethnic origin data for new hires, effective January 1, 2027

Specifically targets data collection for descendants of persons enslaved and emancipated in the United States, also known as American Freedmen, using categories described in Government Code Section 8310.6

Declares the enhanced demographic data collection a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair, overriding local charter city autonomy on this issue

Imposes a state-mandated local program on local governments, with potential reimbursement for costs if the Commission on State Mandates determines the requirements create mandated costs