Compliance Quick Topic – AB 1887 Prohibited States (Monday)

Each day during UC Merced’s Ethics and Compliance Week (November 4-8, 2019), we publish a daily Compliance Quick Topic and quiz question. The quiz for this topic has already expired, but look out for today's topic! 

Compliance Quick Topic – AB 1887 Prohibited States

Did you know there are 11 states where travel using state funds may be prohibited?

In AB 1887, the California Legislature determined that action should be taken to avoid supporting or financing discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.  Therefore, except where a specific exception applies, AB 1887 prohibits the use of state funds to pay for travel to states that enacted laws that:

• have the effect of voiding or repealing existing state or local protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression;
• authorize or require discrimination against same-sex couples or their families or on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; or
• create an exemption to antidiscrimination laws in order to permit discrimination against same-sex couples or their families or on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

UC Merced has a responsibility to comply with the travel and funding restrictions imposed by the law.  The 11 states currently included on the Attorney General’s list and subject to California’s ban on state-funded and state-sponsored travel are:

The prohibition on state-funded travel is expected to continue while any such law that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression remains in effect. The University of California Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AB 1887 Requirements provides guidance on how “state funds” are defined, a list of exceptions, and other information.