California Assembly Passes Safe Worship Zone Legislation to Protect Faith Communities

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California State Assembly today passed AB 2664, the "Safe Worship Zone Act," by an initial vote of 48-0, advancing landmark legislation that would protect Californians' ability to enter houses of worship safely, without intimidation, harassment, or obstruction. Authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) and sponsored by Jewish California (formerly JPAC) – the nation's largest statewide coalition of Jewish organizations – the bill now heads to the California State Senate. The 32 Assemblymembers who abstained in the initial vote may update their votes until the Assembly session is gaveled to a close later this evening.

AB 2664 would establish a 100-foot zone around the entrances of houses of worship, within which protesters may not intentionally approach congregants within eight feet of their body without their consent. The legislation comes amid rising antisemitism and a growing pattern of protests outside religious institutions of all faiths. According to a recent study by the American Jewish Committee, 26% of Jewish Americans report they do not feel safe attending Jewish institutions. Recent incidents outside houses of worship – including demonstrations at Wilshire Boulevard Temple and Adas Torah in Los Angeles – have underscored the urgency of these protections.

"Today's Assembly vote is a powerful statement that California stands with every person of faith and their constitutional right to worship," said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California. "Jewish community members already navigate metal detectors and armed guards just to enter a synagogue. That is not normal, and it shouldn't be. We need de-escalation strategies like AB 2664 for all faith communities that are facing rising animosity. We are grateful to Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan for her leadership and to every Assemblymember who voted to protect the dignity of California's faith communities.”

AB 2664's bubble zone protections are modeled on Colorado's bubble zone law for reproductive health clinics, which has been on the books since 1993 and was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Hill v. Colorado. The bill is designed to balance freedom of worship with freedom of speech – preserving the ability to protest in public spaces. It recognizes that the same First Amendment that protects protesters also protects the right to worship freely.

Jewish California has worked with co-sponsors JCRC Bay Area, Jewish Federation Los Angeles, and Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to build a broad interfaith coalition of supporters for AB 2664, reflecting shared concerns across faith communities about the right to worship safely and with dignity.

The bill now moves to the California State Senate, where Jewish California and its coalition partners will continue advocating for its passage.