California reparations bill on licensing unconstitutional say critics

California reparations bill on licensing unconstitutional say critics




California requires licenses for a wide variety of professions, ranging from manicurists to doctors.


(The Center Square) - A California reparations bill prioritizing black applicants in state professional licensing is likely unconstitutional and violates the U.S. Constitution’s equal protections clause under the 14th Amendment, says the Pacific Legal Foundation.


AB 2862, authored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson, D-Carson, would “require boards to prioritize African American applicants seeking licenses under these provisions, especially applicants who are descended from a person enslaved in the United States.” The bill was introduced in February as a broader package of reparations for Black Californians, a package that did not include direct cash payments.

Gipson's office did not respond to requests for comment by time of publication.

California requires licenses for a wide variety of professions, ranging from manicurists to doctors. According to the Institute for Justice, one out of six Californians must hold an occupational license in the state to legally work, and low and moderate-income workers are most affected by licensing requirements.

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