Governor Newsom Signs Assembly Bill 342 to Foster Diversity and Equity in Professions

SACRAMENTO- Governor Newsom has officially signed Assembly Bill 342 (AB 342), by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim), into law. This legislation empowers the California Architects Board and the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to gather crucial demographics from licensees.

AB 342, which received overwhelming support from legislators, marks a decisive move towards building more inclusive and representative architectural and real estate industries. With the Governor's signature, the state is poised to strengthen the professions governed by these regulatory bodies and bolster the principles of diversity and equity.

Under AB 342, licensees within the California Architects Board and the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers will have the choice to voluntarily share their demographic information. This information will be instrumental in driving industry-wide initiatives aimed at creating a more diverse and equitable environment.

The primary goal of collecting this demographic data is to gain a deeper understanding of the composition of these professions and to uncover any potential barriers that may hinder individuals from underrepresented groups from pursuing careers in these fields. With this information, the industries will be better equipped to develop strategies that can break down these barriers and promote inclusivity.

Governor Newsom's approval of AB 342 sends a clear message that California is committed to promoting diversity and equity within its professional ranks. By understanding the demographics of the profession and the communities it serves, the industry can better serve its clients and create a more inclusive and equitable profession for all.