California bill regarding politicians’ safety gets attention following Trump rally shooting

The assassination attempt of former President Trump has reignited the conversation surrounding a California bill that would allow candidates to use campaign funds for security, should it pass.

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D—Oakland) introduced AB 2041, officially known as the Political Reform Act. This bill allows candidates or elected officials to use campaign funds for security purposes.

Currently, elected officials or candidates can get reimbursed for the costs of a home or office security system if they have received threats to their physical safety that are verified by law enforcement.

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Only $5,000 in campaign funds can be used for security purposes.

The bill would remove those conditions.

“What we saw on Saturday was proof that political violence continues to plague our democracy and reaffirms to me that we urgently need to allow state candidates to invest in their safety and fund security for themselves, their families, and their staff,” Bonta said in a statement to multiple media outlets.

“AB 2041 has had bipartisan support because people on both sides of the aisle recognize that we must prioritize safety in this charged political climate,” she said. “I’m proud to be spearheading this legislation, and I hope that we can come together at this moment to see it across the finish line for the safety of candidates across the state.”

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Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed another version of the bill, stating that it lacked specifics, “could result in unintended consequences” and “could lead to use of political donations for expenditures far beyond what any reasonable donor would expect.”

Bonta’s bill has already passed the Assembly with bipartisan support. It now awaits a vote from the Senate. If it is approved by two-thirds of lawmakers, it will take effect immediately, allowing candidates to take advantage of the reforms leading up to the 2024 election.

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