summary
Introduced
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
In Committee
06/16/2026
06/16/2026
Crossed Over
05/26/2026
05/26/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act to add Section 594.38 to the Penal Code, relating to crimes.
AI Summary
This bill, by adding Section 594.38 to the Penal Code, makes it unlawful to intentionally approach within 8 feet of a person or vehicle within 100 feet of an entrance or exit of a place of religious worship, unless that person consents, for the purpose of passing a leaflet, displaying a sign, engaging in oral protest or education, or to harass, obstruct, threaten, or intimidate them. A "place of religious worship" is defined as any building, structure, or space primarily used for religious worship or education, including its parking lot and entrances. The bill specifies how the 8-foot and 100-foot distances are measured and outlines penalties for violations, with a first offense being a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, and subsequent offenses carrying higher fines and potential jail time. This legislation aims to protect unimpeded access to places of worship without infringing on constitutionally protected speech.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (11)
Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D)*,
Dawn Addis (D),
Ben Allen (D),
Josh Becker (D),
Marc Berman (D),
Jesse Gabriel (D),
Matt Haney (D),
Josh Lowenthal (D),
Gail Pellerin (D),
Susan Rubio (D),
Rick Zbur (D),
Last Action
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 16). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. (on 06/16/2026)
Bill Topics
Civil Rights, Minority Issues, and Civil Liberties
- ‐ Freedom of Speech and Religion
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Criminal and Juvenile Delinquent Prosecution, Procedure, and Sentencing
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2664 | 02/20/2026 |
| BillText | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2664#97AMD | 04/16/2026 |
| BillText | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2664#98AMD | 03/19/2026 |
| BillText | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2664#99INT | 02/20/2026 |
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