- Noah Marty
- Legislative/Communications Assistant
- Noah.Marty@asm.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO, CA — As Pride Month comes to a close, the California State Senate advanced Assembly Bill (AB) 1836 through its final policy committee with strong bipartisan support. The measure marks a significant step toward protecting nonprofits, including LGBTQ+ organizations, whose parades and festivals would fall under the bill’s expanded protections. Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), AB 1836 would expand the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP) by allowing eligible nonprofits to use grant funding for off-site events in need of security, including pride parades, celebrations, festivals, observances, and other events hosted by nonprofits that take place in the community.
“With hate-motivated violence continuing to rise, California is stepping up to protect our communities, so that Californians can gather together and celebrate without fear,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino). “AB 1836 sends a powerful message that California will continue to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and all others targeted by hate.”
What Community Leaders Are Saying
"Hate doesn't stop at the doors of a nonprofit organization—and neither should the protections designed to keep our communities safe," said Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California. "From Pride festivals to community gatherings, LGBTQ+ Californians deserve the freedom to celebrate, connect, and access support without fear of harassment or violence. AB 1836 closes a critical gap in California's security infrastructure and reflects the shared commitment of LGBTQ+, Jewish, and other vulnerable communities to ensure that hate never prevents people from coming together. We are proud to partner with Assemblymember Gabriel and Jewish California to advance this important measure."
"Our communities don't just gather behind security doors – we gather for religious holidays in the park, we demonstrate, and we host public festivals and parades," said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California. "Vulnerable communities should not have to worry about safety when practicing our traditions in the community. But with hate-motivated violence on the rise, the cost of securing these gatherings has become prohibitive for many organizations, threatening the very community-building that defines us. We thank Assemblymember Gabriel for his leadership in solving this problem, and we're proud to work alongside Equality California to make sure every Californian can come together without fear."
Background on AB 1836
California pioneered the nation’s first dedicated state-funded Nonprofit Security Grant Program in 2015, positioning the state as a national leader on the issue. The California Nonprofit Security Grant Program was formally established by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel through Assembly Bill (AB) 1548 in the aftermath of the 2019 fatal shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue, one of the most traumatic antisemitic attacks in California history. The program helps nonprofit organizations at high risk of violent attacks or hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission improve their physical security by investing in reinforced doors, security guards, lighting and alarms, and other protective measures.
Demand for the program has grown dramatically as hate crimes and threats against vulnerable communities have increased. According to the California Attorney General's Annual Hate Crime Report, hate crimes increased 52 percent between 2020 and 2024. More than 1,600 nonprofit organizations applied during the most recent grant cycle, requesting over $325 million in security improvements, making the State Nonprofit Security Grant Program the most popular grant program administered by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
What’s Next
The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where it is expected to be acted upon in the coming weeks.