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Committee advances interagency security coordination bill for upcoming mega sporting events
Summary
AB 549, which would establish an interagency framework to coordinate security and anti‑trafficking efforts for major upcoming events (World Cup, Super Bowl, Olympics), moved out of committee after witnesses said coordination can protect visitors and residents while some members pressed for safeguards against over‑policing.
Assemblymember Gabriel presented AB 549 to the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee, describing the bill as a framework to coordinate state and local agencies, host committees and community partners on security planning for several major upcoming international sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Amelia Zimani of the California Travel Association told the committee the events will bring substantial tourism revenue and that a coordinated approach is necessary to protect visitors and residents. "With the world's eyes on California, we must ensure the safety and security of our visitors, workers, and residents," she said, citing Visit California estimates of travel spending and jobs. Keshav Kumar of the Bay Area Host Committee urged proactive measures to prevent human trafficking and strengthen trauma‑informed victim responses.
Committee members voiced broad support for the bill's intent but asked questions about civil‑liberties and community impacts. Assemblymember El Hawari and others emphasized the need to prevent human trafficking; they also asked how to avoid over‑policing and disproportionate impacts on Black and Brown communities, citing historical examples from the 1984 Olympics. The author and witnesses said the bill's language requires explicit consideration of racism and sexism and intends coordination with community partners and local governments to align security with California's values.
No witnesses registered formal opposition during the hearing. The committee voted to pass AB 549 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations for fiscal review.
