California Enacts Law to Combat ‘Hate Littering’

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Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law on Wednesday aimed at addressing the growing problem of “hate littering” across California. The legislation, Assembly Bill 3024, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego), enhances state civil rights protections by targeting the distribution of materials like flyers or pamphlets that contain threatening language intended to intimidate members of protected classes.

The law builds on the Ralph Civil Rights Act of 1976, which made it illegal to threaten or commit violence against individuals based on their actual or perceived characteristics, such as race, religion, or sexual orientation. The updated legislation addresses modern-day hate tactics used by extremist groups, such as distributing antisemitic or racist flyers in targeted communities.

“Hate littering goes beyond what is intended in our First Amendment protections,” said Assemblymember Ward. “When hate groups are deliberately going into Jewish communities to leave antisemitic flyers on the doorsteps, vehicles, and personal property of their victims to try to intimidate and harass them where they live, that’s not free speech. That’s attempting to turn neighbor against neighbor, and it makes the people these flyers are targeting afraid to be themselves and live their lives in their own neighborhood.”

The bill allows those targeted by hate littering to seek civil damages from those responsible for distributing such materials, providing a new legal avenue for victims to hold perpetrators accountable. These protections take effect immediately.

Supporters of AB 3024 argue that it modernizes existing civil rights protections and strengthens the legal tools available to combat the tactics used by hate-based groups. The bill’s proponents see it as a necessary update to ensure California’s civil rights laws keep pace with the evolving nature of hate crimes and intimidation tactics.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential for the measure to overly restrict free speech, given that hate littering is often carried out anonymously. They argue that the law could lead to broad limitations on speech if not carefully enforced.

The signing of AB 3024 comes amid a nationwide surge in hate crimes and acts of intimidation, with many communities reporting an increase in incidents targeting specific racial, religious, and sexual orientation groups. In response to these growing concerns, the new law aims to provide a clear legal pathway for victims to seek justice and discourage further acts of hate.

The legislation represents a significant step forward in California’s ongoing efforts to combat hate and ensure that all communities can live without fear of intimidation or harassment.