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(Sacramento, CA) - On October 5, 2021, Governor Newsom signed AB 313 (C. Garcia) into law, which will require state agencies to develop reasonable accommodation policies for disabled state workers and increases the representation of state workers with disabilities. The bill is sponsored by Disability Rights California (DRC) and the Association of California State Employees with Disabilities (ACSED).

“I’ve seen first-hand how the odds are stacked against our community members with developmental disabilities, and it’s long overdue that we value them as well and provide them the same opportunities everyone else has for gainful employment. Just like everyone else, they also want to be productive members of society, earn an honest living, get quality benefits, and have a pension for their golden years. AB 313 is just one piece of the puzzle, it ensures they have equal access to state jobs, but there’s more to do to ensure they are truly integrated in all aspects of our society,” says Assembly Member Garcia.

This law requires the California Department of Human Resources to report to the Legislature in 2025 on affirmative action plans and recommendations for future efforts to improve hiring strategies.

AB 313 establishes reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with developmental disabilities and adopts a model reasonable accommodation policy that may be modified for specific needs. Additionally, the bill establishes legislative findings and declarations that state the need for improved hiring and retention of individuals with developmental disabilities at the state level.

Andrew Imparato, Executive Director of DRC stated, “I thank Governor Newsom for signing AB 313, which improves state employment for workers with disabilities. This law requires state agencies to increase representation of workers with disabilities, to develop reasonable accommodation policies, and develops numerous accountability standards. AB 313 solidifies the role of the State of California as a model employer for workers with disabilities and we thank Assembly Member Cristina Garcia for her years of hard work on this important topic.”

ACSED President, Scott Richmond, commented, “Getting AB 313 signed by the Governor is the culmination of years of work by ACSED and our allies to address barriers which have limited the number of people with disabilities who succeed in finding employment with the state or who struggle to receive the accommodations they need to maximize their productivity at work.”

Ralph Black, Chair of the DRC’s Legislation Committee said, “We’re very pleased that the Governor has signed AB 313 which will help the state achieve its goal of having a workforce that reflects the diversity of California, including people with disabilities. It will also make it easier for people with disabilities to enter worthwhile careers in state service and contribute to making California a better place to live.”

For more information on the bill visit: Bill Text - AB-313 Civil service: Limited Examination and Appointment Program. (ca.gov)

Media Contacts

Melody Pomraning
Disability Rights California
Melody.Pomraning@disabilityrightsca.org
(916) 504-5938

Disability Rights California (DRC) is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of drc is to advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, and choices for all people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org.