Data collection: race and ethnicity: minimum categories.

The entire amendment to Section 8310.8 (the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Disparities Reduction Act) was removed. The bill no longer touches SOGISC data collection requirements.

The scope of covered data collections was expanded to explicitly include collections 'for the purpose of contracts, partnerships, and agreements involving state agencies.'

A new Section 1 names the act 'The California Reliable and Accurate Data Infrastructure Act.'

New Government Code Section 13073.3 creates the position of Chief Statistician of California within the Demographic Research Unit, with duties to standardize demographic data collection across state agencies, coordinate statistical activities, ensure efficiency and effectiveness, protect data confidentiality, and maintain integrity and objectivity of statistical information.

The number of required detailed subcategories per race/ethnicity category increased from 6 to 9 largest detailed categories.

Agencies must now provide two write-in options: one for respondents who do not identify with any listed detailed category, and one within each category for additional self-identification.

The exemption process was tightened. Previously, a data collection was simply exempt if burden outweighed benefit. Now the Demographic Research Unit may grant an exemption only if the responsible agency makes a written determination supported by substantial evidence that administrative burden outweighs anticipated benefit to the affected population group.

A new prohibition prevents state agencies from disclosing personally identifying information collected from individuals to any federal agency unless the disclosure is expressly required by federal law.

Oversight responsibility was expanded from the Demographic Research Unit alone to include the Chief Statistician of California jointly with the Demographic Research Unit.

The fiscal committee designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' indicating the amendment introduced a new fiscal obligation (likely due to the new Chief Statistician position).

Added new Section 8310.9.5 to the Government Code requiring any state agency, board, or commission that collects demographic data on ethnic origin, ethnicity, or race of Californians to collect data on at least seven minimum categories: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Middle Eastern or North African, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and White.

The new requirements apply to administrative and survey data collections, including third-party and commercial data collections, broadening applicability beyond direct state operations.

For each of the seven minimum categories, agencies must collect and publish information on at least the top six largest detailed subcategories in accordance with OMB Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 as of March 29, 2024, for both print and online forms.

Data collected under the new section must be made available to the public in accordance with state and federal law, except personal identifying information which is deemed confidential.

Added an exemption: a data collection is exempt from the requirements if the burden on the agency outweighs the benefit to the public.

Agencies must comply no later than January 1, 2029. Annual compliance reports to the Legislature and the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization are required starting January 1, 2027.

The Demographic Research Unit within the Department of Finance is designated to oversee implementation, including tracking progress, conducting evaluations, ensuring compliance, and providing technical assistance.

The fiscal committee designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' indicating the amendment introduces fiscal implications that require fiscal committee review.

The original bill's sole substantive change - removing the phrase 'may be cited' from Section 8310.8(a)(2) - is retained but is now a minor component of a much larger bill.