Legislature Passes Safe Worship Zone Act, Protecting Congregants of Every Faith

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Legislature today gave final approval to Assembly Bill 2664, the Safe Worship Zone Act, which creates a 100-foot zone around house of worship entrances where no one may approach a congregant within 8 feet without their consent. The bill passed the Senate floor 34-0, with 6 abstentions on Thursday evening, and the Assembly floor 49-2, with 28 abstentions this afternoon. (Note: the Assembly's final vote count is subject to change slightly by end of day). It now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.

Authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) and sponsored by Jewish California, ADL, JCRC Bay Area, and Jewish Federation LA, AB 2664 is modeled on Colorado’s bubble zone law around reproductive health clinics, which has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill preserves the constitutional right to protest and does not restrict speech or assembly – it simply ensures that people can enter and leave their house of worship without being surrounded, blocked, confronted, or intimidated. The bill is backed by a broad interfaith coalition, including Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and Hindu organizations alongside 58 Jewish groups.

“Every Californian, no matter their faith, should be able to walk to their place of worship without fear of being surrounded or intimidated,” said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California (formerly JPAC). “This bill faced sustained, organized opposition, and it passed because lawmakers listened to people of every faith who said the same thing: let us pray in peace. We’re grateful to Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan and to our interfaith partners for standing behind this effort.”

“AB 2664 is headed to the Governor’s desk, and California is sending a clear message: everyone has the right to practice their faith safely and freely,” said Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. "The rise of antisemitism is undeniable, and our communities must be protected. AB 2664 gives communities an important tool to push back against harassment and intimidation and protect the sanctity of our houses of worship.”

The bill now goes to Governor Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto legislation passed this session.

Follow the status of all Jewish California bills at our Policy Agenda Tracker: https://tracker.jewishcal.org/