(a) There is established in state government a Racial Equity Commission, within the Office of Planning and Research.

(b) The commission shall consist of 11 members who are residents of California. Of the members of the commission, seven members shall be appointed by the Governor, two shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and two shall be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.

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(c) Members of the commission shall be appointed for a term of two years. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner that provided for the original appointment.

(d) (1) A person appointed to the commission shall have demonstrated expertise and meet criteria in at least one of the following areas:

(A) Analyzing, implementing, or developing public policies that impact racial equity as it relates to at least one of the following areas: broadband, climate change, disability rights, education, food insecurity, housing, immigration, land use, employment, environment, economic security, public health, health care, wealth, policing, criminal justice, transportation, youth leadership, agriculture, the wealth gap, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, voting rights, and public safety that may have an impact on racial equity or racial disparities.

(B) Developing or using data or budget equity assessment tools.

(C) Providing technical assistance in developing and implementing strategies for racial equity, including, but not limited to, guidance on employee training and support, development of racial equity programming, and assistance to organizations and departments on changing policies and practices to improve racial equity outcomes.

(D) Be a member of, or represent an equity-focused organization who works with, an impacted community whose lived experience will inform the work of the office, including, but not limited to, members of the disability, immigrant, women’s, and LGBTQ communities.

(2) Appointing authorities shall consider the expertise of the other members of the commission and make appointments that reflect the cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigrant experience, socioeconomic, age, disability, and geographical diversity of the state so that the commission reflects the communities of California.

(3) Commission members shall serve without compensation, but they may be reimbursed for actual, preapproved expenses incurred in connection with their duties.

(e) The commission shall be staffed by the Office of Planning and Research.

(f) The commission shall have all of the following powers and authority:

(1) To hold hearings, make and sign agreements, and to perform acts necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(2) (A) To engage with advisers or advisory committees from time to time when the commission determines that the experience or expertise of advisers or advisory committees is needed for projects of the commission.

(B) Section 11009 applies to advisers or advisory committees described in this paragraph.

(3) To accept any federal funds granted by act of Congress or by executive order for the purposes of this chapter.

(4) To accept any gifts, donations, grants, or bequests for the purposes of this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 45, Sec. 10. (AB 127) Effective July 10, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, pursuant to Section 8303.5.)