Effective July 1, 2013, pursuant to the Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 2012, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (Department) was moved from the State and Consumer Services Agency to the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency.

The Department is responsible for protecting the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, and from the perpetration of acts of hate violence.

Pursuant to Chapter 46 of the Statutes of 2012, effective January 1, 2013, the Department absorbed the rulemaking function of the former Fair Employment and Housing Commission under the Department's newly-formed Fair Employment and Housing Council; created a new division to conduct free mandatory dispute resolution; ended administrative adjudication and commenced filing cases directly in court; and was authorized to collect attorneys' fees and costs when it is the prevailing party.

The Department's jurisdiction extends to individuals, private or public entities, housing providers, and business establishments within the state of California.