California passes bill on Jewish ethnicity, awaits Newsom's signature

California moved closer to becoming the first U.S. state to recognize Jewish identity as an ethnic category alongside religion by passing SB 1387, which would require state agencies to add 'Jewish' as an option on ethnicity or ancestry forms and take effect in 2030. The measure advanced with broad legislative support and now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature or veto by the Sept. 30 deadline. Advocates frame the change as essential for accurate data on Jewish Californians to inform policy, anti-hate efforts, health, education, and representation in state programs. Opponents and some in the Jewish community express concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and historical fears of targeting Jews through data collection, calling for robust safeguards. Supporters credit bipartisan backing and a broad coalition of Jewish organizations, while proponents emphasize that the option would be voluntary and strictly aggregate to protect individuals. If enacted, the policy would position California as a national first in acknowledging Jewish identity in demographic data collection, with ongoing debates about privacy and trust continuing to shape the conversation.