Governor Signs Community Security Bill
Four Anti-Hate Bills Signed into Law in 2022, Including Bill to Extend and Expand the State’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program
This weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1664 into law. Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and sponsored by JPAC, this bill extends indefinitely the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which was set to expire in 2025. It also expands the program to include security training like that used by Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker in Colleyville, TX to escape his hostage situation in January.
In partnership with the Legislative Jewish Caucus, JPAC also co-sponsored the bill that initially established the program in 2019. They have since secured $115 million from the state budget to fund grants for religious institutions, LGBTQ and community centers, reproductive health facilities, and other nonprofits at risk of hate-motivated violence.
“In the midst of staggering levels of hate-motivated violence—targeting Jews and all vulnerable communities—we are fortunate to have the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program to protect at-risk institutions from attacks,” said David Bocarsly, JPAC’s Executive Director. “JPAC co-sponsored Assemblymember Gabriel’s bill to establish the program in 2019 because we knew first-hand the value it would provide. Given the overwhelming demand for this resource, we are proud to co-sponsor AB 1664 to extend this program and expand it to include security training. We are incredibly grateful to Assemblymember Gabriel for championing this legislation yet again.”
Governor Newsom also recently signed AB 2282 (Bauer-Kahan), which brings into parity penalties for the swastika, noose, and cross burning. Coupled with last week’s signing of AB 587 (social media transparency) and SB 1161 (survey on harassment on public transit) – plus major funding victories earlier this year – JPAC’s robust and successful package of anti-hate legislation will work to address each stage in the evolution of hatred: education, preventing its spread, physical security, and community response.
Visit https://jpac-cal.org/our-work/2022-legislative-agenda/ to learn more and see our additional bills on the Governor’s desk. Governor Newsom has until the end of the month to sign or veto each of the remaining bills.
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