California · Government Code

GOV §12932: (a) The Legislature recognizes that the avoidance of discriminatory practices in the employment of disabled persons is most effectively achieved through the ongoing efforts of state agencies involved

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A department employee who publicly discloses confidential employment discrimination information obtained during their duties commits a misdemeanor and may face civil service disciplinary action.

Read the full statutory text
(a) The Legislature recognizes that the avoidance of discriminatory practices in the employment of disabled persons is most effectively achieved through the ongoing efforts of state agencies involved in the vocational rehabilitation and job placement of the disabled. The department may utilize the efforts and experience of the Department of Rehabilitation in the development of job opportunities for the disabled by requesting the Department of Rehabilitation to foster good will and to conciliate on employment policies with employers who, in the judgment of the department, have employment practices or policies that discriminate against disabled persons. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be construed to transfer any of the functions, powers, or duties from the department to the Department of Rehabilitation. (b) The activities of the department in providing conciliation assistance shall be conducted in confidence and without publicity, and the department shall hold confidential any information acquired in the regular performance of its duties upon the understanding that it would be so held. (c) No employee of the department shall engage in the performance of investigative or prosecuting functions of any department or agency in any litigation arising out of a dispute in which the employee acted on behalf of the department. Any employee of the department, who makes public in any manner whatever any information in violation of this subdivision, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, if a member of the state civil service, shall be subject to disciplinary action under the State Civil Service Act (Part 2 (commencing with Section 18500) of Division 5 of Title 2). (d) When contacted by the department, employers, labor organizations, or employment agencies shall be informed whether a particular discussion, or portion thereof, constitutes either of the following: (1) Endeavors at conference, conciliation, and persuasion which may not be disclosed by the department or received in evidence in any formal hearing or court action. (2) Investigative processes, which are not so protected.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.