Jewish groups hail California law making it the first state to list ‘Jewish’ as an ethnicity
Also on Wednesday, Newsom approved AB 1763, which will include religious holiday observance as a type of excused absence in schools without requiring a written request from a parent or guardian.
California has become the first state to recognize "Jewish" as an ethnic and racial identity, rather than merely a religious affiliation. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1387 on Wednesday, expanding the state's legal definition of ethnicity to include Jewish identity in demographic data collection. From January 1, 2029, public entities like schools and prisons will need to provide a "Jewish" category when collecting voluntary ethnicity or race information.
David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California, hailed the signing as a "historic step" for the Jewish community, stating that accurate data will help ensure the best support for the community. However, Newsom expressed some reservations, expressing concerns about compliance challenges for state agencies and potential conflicts with federal laws.
Other relevant bills, such as AB 395 and AB 1763, were also signed on the same day, focusing on religious holiday observance and nonprofit security grants.
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