AB 2563: Sex discrimination: scope.
The bill aims to add new protections against sex discrimination in California state laws. It requires that all provisions prohibiting sex discrimination be interpreted to include discrimination based on actual or perceived characteristics, such as those related to sex or gender stereotypes. This interpretation is based on the existing protections of the California Constitution, which guarantees equal protection of the laws and reproductive freedom. The bill also defines "sex" to include pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to these events, as well as actual or perceived characteristics set forth under the definition of sex discrimination. This expanded definition will apply to various state laws, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.
| Sep. 30, 2026 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 952, Statutes of 2026. |
| Sep. 30, 2026 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep. 10, 2026 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m. |
| Aug. 30, 2026 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 60. Noes 15. Page 6880.). |
| Aug. 28, 2026 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. |
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declares that this bill is declarative of existing law and is not intended to expand or contract any existing rights or responsibilities.SEC. 2.
Section 14.3 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:14.3.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 2.5.
Section 14.3 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:14.3.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 3.
Section 14.1 is added to the Civil Code, to read:14.1.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 3.5.
Section 14.1 is added to the Civil Code, to read:14.1.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 4.
Section 51 of the Civil Code is amended to read:51.
(a) This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Unruh Civil Rights Act.SEC. 4.5.
Section 51 of the Civil Code is amended to read:51.
(a) This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Unruh Civil Rights Act.SEC. 5.
Section 17.5 is added to the Code of Civil Procedure, to read:17.5.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 5.5.
Section 17.5 is added to the Code of Civil Procedure, to read:17.5.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 6.
Section 1207 is added to the Commercial Code, immediately following Section 1206, to read:1207.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 6.5.
Section 1207 is added to the Commercial Code, immediately following Section 1206, to read:1207.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 7.
Section 12.4 is added to the Corporations Code, to read:12.4.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 7.5.
Section 12.4 is added to the Corporations Code, to read:12.4.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 8.
Section 212.4 is added to the Education Code, to read:212.4.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 8.5.
Section 212.4 is added to the Education Code, to read:212.4.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 9.
Section 66262.4 is added to the Education Code, to read:66262.4.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 9.5.
Section 66262.4 is added to the Education Code, to read:66262.4.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 10.
Section 353.7 is added to the Elections Code, to read:353.7.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 10.5.
Section 353.7 is added to the Elections Code, to read:353.7.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 11.
Section 212 is added to the Evidence Code, to read:212.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 11.5.
Section 212 is added to the Evidence Code, to read:212.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 12.
Section 136 is added to the Family Code, to read:136.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 12.5.
Section 136 is added to the Family Code, to read:136.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 13.
Section 23 is added to the Financial Code, to read:23.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 13.5.
Section 23 is added to the Financial Code, to read:23.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 14.
Section 9.4 is added to the Fish and Game Code, to read:9.4.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 14.5.
Section 9.4 is added to the Fish and Game Code, to read:9.4.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 15.
Section 52 is added to the Food and Agricultural Code, to read:52.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 15.5.
Section 52 is added to the Food and Agricultural Code, to read:52.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 16.
Section 27 is added to the Government Code, to read:27.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 16.5.
Section 27 is added to the Government Code, to read:27.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 17.
Section 12926 of the Government Code is amended to read:12926.
As used in this part in connection with unlawful practices, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:SEC. 17.5.
Section 12926 of the Government Code is amended to read:12926.
As used in this part in connection with unlawful practices, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:SEC. 18.
Section 26 is added to the Harbors and Navigation Code, to read:26.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 18.5.
Section 26 is added to the Harbors and Navigation Code, to read:26.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 19.
Section 29 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:29.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 19.5.
Section 29 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:29.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 20.
Section 49 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:49.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 20.5.
Section 49 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:49.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 21.
Section 12.3 is added to the Labor Code, to read:12.3.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 21.5.
Section 12.3 is added to the Labor Code, to read:12.3.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 22.
Section 20 is added to the Military and Veterans Code, to read:20.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 22.5.
Section 20 is added to the Military and Veterans Code, to read:20.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 23.
Section 5.5 is added to the Penal Code, to read:5.5.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 23.5.
Section 5.5 is added to the Penal Code, to read:5.5.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 24.
Section 71 is added to the Probate Code, to read:71.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 24.5.
Section 71 is added to the Probate Code, to read:71.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 25.
Section 1105 is added to the Public Contract Code, to read:1105.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 25.5.
Section 1105 is added to the Public Contract Code, to read:1105.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 26.
Section 19 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:19.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 26.5.
Section 19 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:19.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 27.
Section 23 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:23.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 27.5.
Section 23 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:23.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 28.
Section 12.3 is added to the Revenue and Taxation Code, to read:12.3.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 28.5.
Section 12.3 is added to the Revenue and Taxation Code, to read:12.3.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 29.
Section 37 is added to the Streets and Highways Code, to read:37.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 29.5.
Section 37 is added to the Streets and Highways Code, to read:37.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 30.
Section 23 is added to the Unemployment Insurance Code, to read:23.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 30.5.
Section 23 is added to the Unemployment Insurance Code, to read:23.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 31.
Section 552 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:552.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 31.5.
Section 552 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:552.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 32.
Section 27 is added to the Water Code, to read:27.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 32.5.
Section 27 is added to the Water Code, to read:27.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 33.
Section 28 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:28.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 33.5.
Section 28 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:28.
(a) (1) Any provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, discrimination on the basis of gender, or similar discrimination shall also be interpreted as prohibiting sex discrimination, as defined in this section.SEC. 34.
Section 4.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 51 of the Civil Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 1940. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2027, (2) each bill amends Section 51 of the Civil Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1940, in which case Section 4 of this bill shall not become operative.SEC. 35.
Section 17.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 12926 of the Government Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 1940. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2027, (2) each bill amends Section 12926 of the Government Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1940, in which case Section 17 of this bill shall not become operative.SEC. 36.
(a) Sections 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 of this bill shall become operative only if Assembly Bill 1940 is not enacted and does not become effective on or before January 1, 2027, and does not amend Section 12926 of the Government Code, in which case Sections 2.5, 3.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5, 13.5, 14.5, 15.5, 16.5, 18.5, 19.5, 20.5, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5, 24.5, 25.5, 26.5, 27.5, 28.5, 29.5, 30.5, 31.5, 32.5, and 33.5 of this bill shall not become operative.