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Senate Budget subcommittee approves one‑year extension of California versus Hate hotline and resource network
Summary
Subcommittee 4 voted 2–1 to approve the budget proposal to extend the California versus Hate non‑emergency hotline and resource network for another year; the program connects callers to services via the statewide 211 network and has logged several thousand contacts and over 800 formal reports in its first year.
Subcommittee 4 of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee voted to approve a budget proposal to extend the California versus Hate reporting and resource hotline for an additional year.
Director Kevin Kish described the program as a non‑emergency resource line that connects people who report acts of hate — including but not limited to hate crimes — to services through care coordination. The service is available online in 15 languages and by phone in up to about 200 languages; it operates through the statewide 211 network.
Kish said the program received several thousand contacts in its first year and more than 800 formal reports of hate incidents in year one, with numbers holding steady and showing a slight increase in the second year. He also cited an evaluation in which UC San Diego found that 94% of respondents who used care coordination reported improved quality of life after the service.
Paul Steenhausen of the Legislative Analyst’s Office told the subcommittee the LAO had no issues with the proposal. During the roll call, the motion to approve the extension was moved by Senator Smallwood Cuevas. Senators Cabaldon and Smallwood Cuevas voted aye; Senator Nilo voted no. The motion carried 2–1.
Kish said callers may report anonymously and can be connected to law enforcement, mental‑health services or housing assistance depending on needs. He and subcommittee members noted that care coordination is more difficult in some rural areas because local providers do not exist, and that the program is designed to incorporate remote services where necessary.
The subcommittee moved the item to the vote calendar and approved the extension. The final funding decision will be reviewed with other budget items during the May revision process.
Ending: The subcommittee approved the extension and will revisit budget allocations during ongoing budget negotiations.
