Governor Newsom signs bills to keep strengthening security and safe access for California’s faith and nonprofit communities
These bills are priorities of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and build on the state’s ongoing work to protect faith-based and community organizations from hate and violence through the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
The bills were signed at the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, which in 2025 was vandalized by protestors who then entered the building to disrupt a peaceful gathering by shouting antisemitic insults and damaging the interior of the temple.
“California has built the most robust state-level Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the nation, providing critical security funding to more than 1,600 houses of worship, LGBTQ+ community centers, reproductive health clinics, and other nonprofits at risk of hate-motivated violence. This year, a diverse interfaith coalition came together to secure $80 million in ongoing annual funding to permanently sustain this lifesaving program,” said Assemblymember Gabriel, Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “AB 1836 builds on that historic milestone by ensuring that security funding is also available for offsite events like Pride celebrations, marches, and cultural and religious festivals. It sends a clear message that Californians of all faiths and backgrounds should be able to gather, worship, and celebrate without fear. Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California has been at the forefront of the fight against hate, and we are deeply grateful to him for signing this important new law.”
“For too long, too many people have been asked to accept fear as part of practicing their faith. As a Jewish woman and a mother, I know this is not abstract — one in four Jewish Americans now says they do not feel safe attending Jewish institutions,” said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. “Thank you, Governor Newsom, for signing AB 2664, which says we cannot accept that as normal, and it should never become the norm. This bill creates a safe bubble zone around houses of worship so people of all faiths can worship with the dignity, peace, and security they deserve.”
“Less than a year after a protest turned violent right here at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Governor Newsom came back to this same sanctuary to sign two laws that protect every Californian’s ability to safely engage with their faith community,” said CEO of Jewish California David Bocarsly. “This Governor has shown up for the Jewish community again and again – from the first-in-the-nation Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism, to $395 million directed toward protecting at-risk nonprofits, including this year’s generational commitment of $80 million in permanent, annual funding, Today’s signing is the latest chapter in a partnership that is making California safer for everyone.”
Since 2015, California has provided funding to help protect 1,614 nonprofits and places of worship from violent attacks and hate crimes. The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program supports security enhancements such as:
- Reinforced doors and gates;
- High-intensity lighting;
- Alarm systems;
- Surveillance and access controls; and
- Emergency preparedness improvements.
The program was established to provide security funding to nonprofit organizations at high risk of violent attacks and hate crimes because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. California’s approach is about more than physical security – it is about making sure Californians can continue to access the places and organizations that serve their communities.
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