San Diego, CA –Standing alongside community leaders, educators, and law enforcement officials, Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) joined Assemblymember Patel for a joint press conference today to announce the passing of Senate Bill 19, a measure that strengthens protections for California’s schools, workplaces, daycares, medical facilities, and places of worship from threats of violence.

“As a teacher of twenty years, I have seen firsthand what fear looks like in a classroom,” said Senator Rubio. “When a school or daycare is forced into lockdown, the trauma and disruption ripple through entire families. Each of these incidents can cost schools and local agencies up to $100,000 to manage — but the emotional cost on our children, parents, and educators is far greater. SB 19 sends a clear message: threats to our schools, our churches, our workplaces, and our daycares will not be tolerated.”

SB 19, authored by Senator Rubio and Assemblymember Patel, closes dangerous loopholes in existing law by ensuring that prosecutors can take action when a school, workplace, medical facilities, daycares, or place of worship is targeted — even if no individual is specifically named. The law empowers law enforcement to act swiftly on credible threats, helping communities prevent violence before it happens, while still safeguarding free speech and due process.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Assemblymember Patel for her partnership and leadership” added Senator Rubio. “Together, we’re reaffirming our commitment to protecting California’s children and families and ensuring that every child, teacher, and parent feels safe in their community.”

Assemblymember Patel added, “By partnering with Senator Rubio, we delivered a solution that ensures perpetrators can be held accountable. I'm proud that SB 19 is now law, protecting students, educators, healthcare workers, and families across California.”

SB19 builds on Senator Rubio’s long-standing record of legislation to protect children and families, including landmark measures addressing domestic violence prevention, school safety, and community resilience.

Senator Rubio is available for interviews in English or Spanish. To schedule an interview, please contact Giovanni Ruiz at Giovanni.RuizReyes@sen.ca.gov. 

For more information, visit the website of Senator Susan Rubio at senate.ca.gov/rubio