Bill > SB509

This bill requires the California Office of Emergency Services (OES), through its California Specialized Training Institute, to develop comprehensive training on transnational repression by January 1, 2027, in consultation with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Transnational repression is defined as actions taken by foreign governments to intimidate, silence, or harm members of diaspora and exile communities across national borders, which can include physical assaults, digital surveillance, cyberattacks, online harassment, and threats to family members. The training will provide law enforcement with unbiased information on identifying different tactics of transnational repression, including specific governments known to employ such tactics, best practices for prevention and response, and information about targeted communities. The bill aims to protect individuals from human rights violations, support affected communities, pursue criminal prosecutions when appropriate, and coordinate with federal efforts to address these threats. The training will cover identification of repression tactics, information about targeted communities, culturally competent outreach, and guidance from federal authorities, while explicitly protecting First Amendment rights. The legislation reflects California's policy of safeguarding individuals from transnational repression and holding foreign governments accountable for such actions.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB509