| SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) introduced AB 1535, the Hortman-Kirk Political Violence Prevention Act, which would add political affiliation to the list of actual or perceived characteristics needed to classify as a hate crime. The bill is named after former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University while speaking at a Turning Point USA event. “Our nation was founded on political freedoms, however, political violence is detrimental to our democracy and shouldn’t be tolerated,” Davies said. “Leaders are required to cool the temperature, not fan the flames. AB 1535 isn’t just about protecting Californians; it’s about a cultural reset. It’s a commitment to the idea that every Californian has the right to their political views without fear of being targeted by those who see them as an enemy rather than a neighbor,” continued Davies. “This measure ensures that our justice system recognizes political violence for exactly what it is: a hate-motivated crime,” stated Davies. Under current civil law, Californians are protected for political affiliation for things such as employment protection or housing rights. However, political affiliation is not protected under criminal hate crime statutes should someone be specifically assaulted or killed because of their beliefs or elected position. This measure updates the appropriate penal codes to ensure political affiliation is a characteristic needed to qualify as a hate crime. With the assault on Paul Pelosi in 2022, the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in 2024 and the killings of both Melissa Hortman and Charlie Kirk in 2025, this bill is timely and needed as we approach the 2026 midterm elections. |
| ### Assemblywoman Laurie Davies represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes the communities of southern Orange County, including Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano plus the communities of northern San Diego County, including Camp Pendleton, Fallbrook, Oceanside and Vista. |
