Portantino Driver License Discrimination Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk

For Immediate Release: August 29, 2024

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

Portantino Driver License Discrimination Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk

Sacramento, CA – Senate Bill 1100, a measure authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), passed the Senate Floor today. The bill, which is headed to the Governor’s desk, addresses discrimination against inviduals who do not have driver’s licenses and seek employment for a job that does not require driving. Under SB 1100, employers will no longer be able to require a driver’s lincense as a condition of employment. 

“Requiring a driver’s license for employment instead of other forms of identification may result in systematic exclusion for a job that doesn’t require driving,” stated Senator Portantino. “SB 1100 will end this discrimination and create a more just and equitable system for Californians who don’t drive. It’s a sensible solution and I am hopeful to garner a signature from the Governor.”

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.

This bill would make it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to include a statement in various employment materials that an applicant must have a driver’s license, unless the employer reasonably expects the duties of the position to require driving and the employer reasonably believes that satisfying that job function 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. “We thank Senator Portantino for authoring this important measure and hope it is signed into law.”

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