California Assembly Bill AB557

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/21
• Refer: 3/25/21
• Report Pass: 3/25/21
• Refer: 3/26/21
• Report Pass: 4/21/21
• Refer: 4/21/21
• Refer: 5/5/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 6/1/21
• Refer: 6/2/21
• Refer: 6/9/21
• Report Pass: 6/28/21
• Refer: 6/28/21
• Report Pass: 7/6/21
• Refer: 7/6/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Refer: 6/16/22
• Report Pass: 6/21/22
• Refer: 6/21/22
• Report Pass: 6/29/22
• Refer: 6/29/22
• Refer: 8/2/22
• Report Pass: 8/11/22
• Refer: 8/24/22
• Enrolled: 8/30/22
• Chaptered: 9/30/22
• Passed: 9/30/22

Caption

Hate crimes: vertical prosecution.

Impact

The implementation of AB 557 is expected to have significant implications for state laws related to hate crimes and their prosecution. By facilitating the establishment of vertical prosecution units, the bill enhances coordination and consistency in the handling of such cases, aiming for just and equitable resolutions. The introduction of this grant program also reflects a legislative intent to prioritize the needs of victims of hate crimes and ensure they receive appropriate legal support. As each grant recipient will provide updates on their progress by specified deadlines, the program ensures accountability and ongoing evaluation of effectiveness in serving hate crime victims.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 557, also known as the Hate Crime Vertical Prosecution Pilot Grant Program (HCVP), was enacted to strengthen the prosecution of hate crimes in California. The bill mandates the establishment of grant programs by the Department of Justice to create, support, or expand vertical prosecution units that are dedicated to handling hate crime cases. These units are designed to ensure that a single prosecutor oversees the case from initial investigation through sentencing, thereby enhancing the quality of prosecution and support for victims of hate crimes. The program aims to provide more focused resources for dealing with hate crimes, which are defined by characteristics such as race, religion, and sexual orientation among others.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB 557 appears to be positive, particularly among advocates for victims' rights and hate crime prevention. Supporters argue that dedicated resources towards vertical prosecution will empower prosecutorial agencies to address hate crimes more effectively and sensitively. Conversely, there could be some skepticism regarding the adequacy of funding and the bill's enforcement mechanisms. Nonetheless, the overwhelming support during voting indicates a general consensus on the importance of addressing hate crimes more robustly.

Contention

While there is broad support for AB 557, some concerns have been raised pertaining to the program's funding mechanisms and the potential for grant allocation to be competitive. Critics may worry that focusing on vertical prosecution could divert resources from other essential community programs aimed at preventing hate crimes. There remain challenges to ensure the sustained impact beyond the initial grant allocations, particularly with a sunset clause set for July 1, 2029, wherein the provisions of the bill will be repealed unless renewed by the legislature.