Crimes: threats.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
In Floor Process
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill expands California’s laws against threats of violence by creating a new crime for willfully threatening to commit a crime, including through online postings, at specific locations like daycare centers, schools, and workplaces. The threat must be unequivocal and cause a reasonable fear of harm. Penalties range from up to one year in county jail for adults and potentially referral to services for those under 18, with misdemeanor penalties if ineligible for services. The bill also clarifies that local governments will not be required to reimburse the state for costs associated with this new crime.
Key provisions
- Creates a new crime for willful threats of violence, including online postings, at specified locations.
- Defines a threat as unequivocal, unconditional, immediate, and specific, conveying a gravity of purpose and immediate prospect of execution.
- Requires a reasonable fear of harm to be present for the threat to be considered criminal.
- Penalties for adults: up to one year in county jail; penalties for those under 18: referral to services or misdemeanor.
- Exempts local governments from reimbursement for costs associated with the new crime.
- Addresses potential prosecution under other laws.
- Clarifies that the bill does not preclude prosecution under existing laws.
- Specifies that the bill does not create a state-mandated local program, but requires reimbursement if the Commission on State Mandates determines costs are mandated.
Who is affected
Bill text
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