Portantino Driver License Discrimination Bill Passes Assembly Judiciary Committee
For Immediate Release: July 2, 2024
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Portantino Driver License Discrimination Bill Passes Assembly Judiciary Committee
Sacramento, CA – Senate Bill 1100, a measure authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee today. The bill addresses discrimination against inviduals who do not have driver’s licenses by no longer requiring a driver's license as a condition for employment.
“Requiring a driver’s license for employment instead of other forms of identification can result in systematic exclusion and exacerbates social inequities,” stated Senator Portantino. “SB 1100 will end this discrimination and create a more just and equitable system.”
In California, the practice of requiring a driver's license as a condition for employment, regardless of whether driving is a required aspect of the job has become increasingly prevalent. This practice poses significant barriers for certain segments of the population, including young adults, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those who choose not to drive due to environmental concerns or personal preferences. It also disproportionately affects low-income individuals and communities of color, who may have less access to personal transportation or face higher rates of driver's license suspensions due to unpaid fines or fees.
SB 1100 will make it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to require that an applicant must have a driver’s license, unless the employer reasonably expects the duties of the position to require driving and using an alternative form of transportation would not be comparable in travel time or cost to the employer.
“SB 1100 will expand job opportunities for people who either choose to not drive or are unable to drive, who are disproportionately people of color and people with disabilities who already face significant barriers to employment and housing,” stated Kirsten Bladh, Associate Policy Director of Streets for All.
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