Commission on the State of Hate.

Assembly Member Elhawary's legislation to extend California's Commission on the State of Hate through January 2031 maintains the body's core mission of monitoring hate-related trends and advising state officials on prevention strategies. The nine-member commission, appointed by the Governor, Assembly Speaker, and Senate Rules Committee, produces annual reports analyzing hate crime data and recommending policy responses.

The commission hosts quarterly public forums examining hate-related developments at local, state and national levels, featuring subject matter experts. Its annual reports to the Governor and Legislature document hate crime activity statewide, evaluate law enforcement practices, and propose specific actions for state officials and communities to address these incidents. The commission must protect civil liberties, including freedoms of speech, association, religion and privacy, in accordance with constitutional requirements.

Members appointed to four-year terms must possess expertise in addressing discrimination and intolerance, whether through human relations work, social science research, or related civilian roles. The commission may form advisory committees incorporating additional specialists to inform its recommendations. While appointed commissioners receive a $100 per diem for attending meetings and forums, ex officio members from the Legislature, Attorney General's office, and Office of Emergency Services serve without compensation.

The commission may seek federal grants and other external funding beyond state appropriations to support its activities. All data collected must be used solely for research and statistical purposes, with personal identifying information protected. The extension maintains existing requirements for comprehensive reporting on hate crime trends, prevention strategies, and policy proposals through 2031.