Anti-Asian hate bills unanimously passed in California now await Gov. Newsom’s approval
Two anti-Asian hate bills will advance to Governor Gavin Newsom after passing the California State Legislature.
The Stop AAPI Hate-backed No Place for Hate Bills — AB 2448 and SB 1161 — passed the California’s State Legislature on Tuesday without any opposition.
Today, the bills are sent to Newsom, who will either sign them into law or veto them.
The Public Rider Transportation Safety bill (SB 1161), authored by State Senator Dave Min (D-Costa Mesa), promotes safe ridership by creating the first tool of its kind in the state to help transit agencies gather data on street harassment and how it affects transit riders.
Since March 2020, the Stop AAPI Hate national coalition has received over 11,000 reports of hate incidents and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the U.S. About 50 percent of the incidents reportedly took place at public venues, including transit.
The data acquired through the bill will aim to help develop and implement plans leading to increased safety measures.
The Protect Customers’ Civil Rights at Businesses bill (AB 2448), authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), calls on businesses to train their employees against discrimination. It requires the Civil Rights Department to create a first-of-its-kind program that recognizes businesses for taking steps to create safe and welcoming environments free from discrimination and harassment.
The SB1161 reportedly passed the State senate 39 to 0 with one member not present, while the SB1161 passed the Assembly 75 to 0 with 5 members abstaining.
Although the bills stemmed from the rise of the anti-Asian hate crimes, they would also benefit other minorities in the state of California, including other women of color, people with disabilities and the LGBTQ community, who also experience harassment in public spaces.
Featured Image via Viviana Rishe
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