Legislation

Every legislative session, the ACLU of California Center for Advocacy and Policy passes groundbreaking legislation that pushes our state and country forward. In Sacramento, our legislative advocates and staff collaborate with lawmakers and other organizations to draft bills, mobilize ACLU supporters, and work in partnership with impacted communities. Learn more about the legislative process and your state lawmakers.

Lifting the Veil of Secrecy: Police Misconduct & Use of Force (SB 1421)

Although California is often thought of as a beacon of progressive values, the Golden State is actually one of the most secretive states when it comes to information about police use of force and serious and confirmed misconduct by police. This must change. The public has a fundamental right to know about cases in which officers have been found guilty of committing sexual assault or dishonesty dur... Read More

Police Militarization (AB 3131)

AB 3131 will restore transparency and accountability by making sure that law enforcement agencies provide notice to the public before they decide to acquire military equipment. Read More

Gender Health in Foster Care (AB 2119)

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth are significantly overrepresented in California’s foster care system. Unfortunately, some personnel, caregivers, and providers harbor biases and misinformation that jeopardize the health of these young people. TGNC youth are frequently subjected to unstable placements and often lack access to medically necessary care. Child welfare agencies are alr... Read More

Police Use of Deadly Force (AB 931)

Under AB 931, police would only be allowed to use deadly force if there were no reasonable alternatives available and if there was an imminent threat to the officer or another person’s safety. Read More

Bail: Pretrial Release (SB 10)

Money bail creates a two-tiered justice system that privileges the wealthy. California's SB 10 will help fix the disparity. Read More

Stop Secretive Surveillance (SB 1186)

Californians deserve a voice and a seat at the table when it comes to law enforcement’s acquisition of surveillance technologies. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case in California, where law enforcement’s use of this technology invades our private lives and has played a nefarious role in the federal government’s racist deportation campaign that's tearing California families apart. It’s time to ... Read More

Dignity and Opportunity Act (SB 990)

Transgender and nonbinary people in prison or jail are often placed in segregated housing and denied access to programs and parole opportunities. While this is supposedly for their own safety, isolating people and withholding critical resources not only makes it harder for them to qualify for parole and reenter society, but also is cruel and unnecessary. Transgender and nonbinary people deserve th... Read More

California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA) - SB 178

The California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA) safeguards Californians, spurs innovation, and supports public safety by updating California privacy law for the modern digital world.