The Civil Rights Department (CRD) enforces the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which prohibits employment and housing discrimination based on protected characteristics. CRD investigates complaints, pursues enforcement actions, and seeks to eliminate unlawful practices.
Effective January 1, 2026, SB 477 clarifies FEHA’s enforcement procedures regarding complaint processing, deadlines, and right-to-sue provisions. SB 477 provides a statutory definition for the term “group or class complaint,” which means a complaint that alleges a pattern or practice of discrimination. SB 477 notes that the definition is declaratory and reflects existing law.
SB 477 clarifies that the CRD’s deadline to issue a right-to-sue notice shall be no later than one year for an individual complaint and two years for a group or class complaint.
SB 477 directs CRD to issue a right-to-sue notice to a complainant whose complaint relates to a complaint filed in the name of the director or a group or class complaint upon request by the person claiming to be aggrieved or, if the person claiming to be aggrieved does not request such notice, after the complaint has been fully and finally disposed of and all related proceedings, actions and appeals conclude.
SB 477 tolls (pauses) the time to file a civil action when a complainant timely appeals the closure of a complaint by CRD, signs a written agreement with CRD, or CRD extends the complaint investigation period due to a petition to compel cooperation.
(SB 477 amends Sections 12926, 12960, 12965, and 12981 of the Government Code.)