Commissioner Amanda Ray is the first woman and second African American to lead the agency in its 91-year history. Antiquated state laws currently refer to the commissioner as “he” and “him.”
–This week, State Senator John Laird (D- Santa Cruz), Paso Robles’ representative in the State Senate, introduced SB 272 that updates gender-specific pronouns referencing the California Highway Patrol commissioner. These outdated pronouns have been in statute for over sixty years, and do not reflect the department’s current leadership, according to the senator’s office. Antiquated state laws currently refer to the commissioner as “he” and “him.”
“While California leads on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and equality, our laws have not kept pace,” said Laird. “It’s time we change archaic references within state law that are future-forward and adequately represent those who dedicate themselves to our state. I commend our CHP commissioner for the efforts that