Committee advances bill to coordinate state, local security for 2026–28 mega sporting events
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Summary
AB 549 would establish an interagency coordination framework to prepare for major upcoming sporting events in California, including measures to prevent human trafficking and align state, local and private partners on security and victim response.
SACRAMENTO — The Assembly Arts Committee advanced AB 549 on April 22, a bill intended to create a framework for interagency coordination to support security and public‑safety planning for large international sporting events California will host in coming years.
Authored by Assemblymember Todd Gloria (presentation delivered by Assemblymember Gabriel in committee), AB 549 directs state agencies and local partners to align planning for events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. "These events present a unique opportunity to boost our economy... At the same time, these events also require enhanced security coordination to ensure the safety of attendees, athletes, and our local communities," the bill’s author told the committee.
Witnesses representing travel, hospitality and host‑committee organizations told the committee the measure is needed to prevent and respond to problems that can accompany mega events. Keshav Kumar of the Bay Area Host Committee said the World Cup could “bring hundreds of thousands of tourists” and that AB 549 would help align state and local government, law enforcement and community partners to prevent trafficking, improve victim identification and strengthen trauma‑informed responses. Amelia Zimani of the California Travel Association said the bill will help protect visitors and workers and preserve California’s reputation.
Committee members praised the bill’s focus on preventing trafficking but several asked how to avoid heavy‑handed security measures that historically have led to over‑policing and disparate impacts on Black and Brown communities. Assemblymember El Hawari pressed witnesses about safeguards to prevent militarized or discriminatory policing strategies, citing lessons from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Proponents said the bill deliberately includes language to consider issues such as racism and sexism and that including state and community partners in planning can lead to approaches consistent with California values.
Supporters included the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, Bay Area Host Committee, California Travel Association, California Police Chiefs Association and hotel and tourism groups. No formal opposition registered at the hearing.
The committee recorded the bill as passed and referred it to the next committee for appropriations review.
