California Senate Bill 509 (SB 509), introduced by Senator Anna M. Caballero on February 19, 2025, aims to address transnational repression—actions by foreign governments to intimidate, harass, or harm individuals in diaspora communities. The bill mandates the California Office of Emergency Services (OES), through the California Specialized Training Institute, to develop specialized training for law enforcement to recognize and respond to such activities.
Current Status:
As of April 3, 2025, SB 509 has been scheduled for a hearing on April 8, 2025, in the Senate Governmental Organization Committee.
Concerns from Hindu Communities:
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and other Hindu organizations have expressed opposition to SB 509. Their concerns include:
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Broad Language: The bill's definitions are perceived as vague, potentially encompassing legitimate advocacy for Hindu rights under the umbrella of transnational repression.
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State vs. Federal Jurisdiction: Critics argue that transnational repression is typically a federal matter, questioning the necessity of state-level legislation in this domain.
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Focus on Rising Hate Incidents: There is a call for legislative attention to address the increasing number of anti-Hindu and anti-India hate incidents in California, such as the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills and other temples.
These organizations advocate for clearer language in the bill to prevent unintended consequences and emphasize the need to protect diaspora communities from both foreign repression and domestic hate crimes.