California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Announces 2026 Legislative Priorities
SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC) today announced its 2026 legislative priorities, advancing a comprehensive package of bills aimed at protecting vulnerable communities, expanding economic opportunity, and promoting equity across California.
“California must continue to lead with policies that uplift and protect all communities, especially in times of uncertainty,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong, Chair of the California AAPILC. “Our 2026 legislative priorities reflect our commitment to ensuring that Asian American and Pacific Islander communities—and all Californians—have access to opportunity, safety, and justice.”
The AAPILC’s 2026 legislative package includes the following key measures:
AB 2374 (Fong) – Postsecondary education: Designation of California Asian American- and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions
AB 2374 establishes a state-level Asian American & Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) designation for higher education institutions that show commitment to supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. With federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives under threat, this bill ensures California continues to prioritize academic equity and opportunity.
AB 2495 (Kalra) – Unlawful immigration-related practices
AB 2495 closes a critical gap in worker protections by prohibiting employers from using immigration-related threats to silence workers before they can report labor violations, strengthening safeguards against workplace exploitation.
AB 2607 (Nguyen) – California Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Small Business Capital Access Loan Program
AB 2607 expands access to capital for small businesses seeking to comply with ADA requirements. By enhancing the state’s existing loan program, this measure supports accessibility improvements while reducing financial barriers for small business owners.
AB 2534 (Kalra) – Domestic Violence Prevention Act: forced marriage
AB 2534 extends protections under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act to include forced marriage, ensuring survivors and those at risk have access to legal protections and resources to escape coercive situations.
AB 1650 (Caloza) – Rental passenger vehicles: United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement
AB 1650 addresses community safety concerns by requiring clear identification on vehicles used by law enforcement, preventing confusion and fear caused by unmarked vehicles used in immigration enforcement.
AB 1842 (Harabedian) – California Emergency Mortgage Relief Act
AB 1842 provides critical relief for homeowners impacted by emergencies by allowing temporary mortgage forbearance without penalties, helping families remain stable during times of crisis.
Together, these bills reflect AAPILC’s commitment to advancing policies that protect civil rights, support small businesses, safeguard workers, and uplift underserved communities.
