Assemblymember Corey Jackson: ACA 7 Clarifies Prop 209 — Not Repeal It

March 11, 2026

California's Assembly Constitutional Amendment 7, introduced by Assemblymember Corey Jackson, narrowly passed the State Assembly with a 54-14 vote and aims to modify how Proposition 209 is interpreted rather than repeal it entirely. The amendment would permit the state to fund research-based programs targeting health, education, and economic disparities in specific communities experiencing documented inequalities. Unlike the failed 2020 Proposition 16 that sought complete repeal of Proposition 209, ACA 7 takes a narrower approach by creating limited exceptions while maintaining the 1996 law's core prohibitions against discrimination and preferential treatment.

Who is affected

African American communities experiencing disparities in health, education, and economic outcomes
Certain members of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community facing documented disparities
Public agencies (state and local) that have been discouraged from implementing culturally specific programs
Communities with documented disparities in life expectancy, educational attainment, and economic opportunity
California voters (who will decide on the amendment in November 2026 if it passes the Senate)

What action is being taken

ACA 7 is moving to the California Senate for committee review process
The Senate is preparing to conduct its evaluation and potential vote on the amendment

Why it matters

This amendment matters because it attempts to address a longstanding tension between California's constitutional prohibition on race-based programs and the state's ability to tackle persistent disparities affecting specific communities. Supporters argue that overly broad interpretations of Proposition 209 have prevented state and local agencies from implementing targeted programs that could improve health outcomes, educational attainment, and economic opportunity in communities with documented needs. The measure represents a more politically cautious approach than the complete repeal attempted in 2020, potentially offering a pathway to fund culturally specific interventions while maintaining core anti-discrimination protections. If ultimately approved by voters, it could significantly expand the state's toolkit for addressing racial and ethnic disparities without fully repealing the voter-approved framework established in 1996.

What's next

ACA 7 will undergo committee review process in the California Senate
The Senate must vote on the measure, requiring a two-thirds majority to advance
If approved by the Senate with a two-thirds vote, the constitutional amendment will appear on the November 2026 statewide ballot for voter consideration

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint