Data collection: race and ethnicity: minimum categories.

Assembly Member Patel's California Reliable and Accurate Data Infrastructure Act proposes new standards for demographic data collection across state agencies, establishing minimum categories for race and ethnicity while creating the position of Chief Statistician to oversee implementation.

The legislation requires state agencies, boards, and commissions to collect demographic data using seven specified 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. For each category, agencies must gather information on at least the nine largest detailed subcategories and provide write-in options both within categories and for those who do not identify with listed options. Agencies must implement these changes by January 1, 2029, though exemptions may be granted when administrative burden outweighs public benefit.

The bill establishes a Chief Statistician position within the Department of Finance's Demographic Research Unit to standardize data collection practices, coordinate statistical activities across agencies, and ensure data confidentiality. Starting January 1, 2027, agencies must submit annual compliance reports to the Legislature detailing their collection methods, analysis procedures, and technical assistance efforts. While collected data must be publicly accessible, personal identifying information remains confidential and cannot be shared with federal agencies unless mandated by federal law.