California Assembly approves AB 352 to enhance protections for judges against threats

The California Assembly Public Safety Committee made significant strides in enhancing judicial safety and supporting survivors of violence during its recent meeting on March 25, 2025. The committee passed Assembly Bill 352, aimed at increasing protections for judges and court commissioners by classifying threats against them as aggravating factors in sentencing. This legislation responds to alarming statistics indicating a rise in threats against judicial officials, with the U.S. Marshals Service reporting over 5,800 threats in just two years. By allowing judges to impose harsher penalties for such threats, the bill seeks to deter violence and bolster public trust in the justice system.

Assemblymember Pacheco, who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of ensuring that judges can perform their duties without fear of intimidation. The California Judges Association voiced strong support, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protections amid rising threats, including bomb threats and doxing incidents targeting judges.

In addition to AB 352, the committee also discussed Assembly Bill 938, which aims to provide legal relief for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. This bill allows individuals to assert an affirmative defense for crimes committed under coercion due to their victimization. It seeks to address the disproportionate criminalization of survivors, particularly women of color, by enabling them to vacate previous convictions linked to their abuse.

The bill's author, Assemblymember Bonta, noted that California has the highest reported cases of human trafficking in the nation and stressed the need for a justice system that recognizes the complexities of trauma. Survivor advocates and legal experts testified in support of the bill, sharing personal stories that underscored the necessity of such legal protections.

Both bills will now advance to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration, marking a pivotal moment in California's legislative efforts to enhance safety for judicial officials and provide justice for survivors of violence. The committee's actions reflect a commitment to addressing pressing issues within the state's legal framework, aiming to create a safer and more equitable environment for all Californians.