New Proposed California Hate Crime Bill Would Add Crucial New Classification

When we think of "hate crimes," we think of a person or group being targeted based on characteristics such as their race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. We want to make an example of the perpetrator because in America, those crimes are simply unacceptable. But in an era where, sadly, it seems that as a people who have discussed and debated literally since the beginning of our history, we have lost the ability to do so peacefully. Recently, we have witnessed attacks and even the murders of people who were only trying to voice an opinion. But now, political attacks may be recognized for what they are.

New California bill named after Charlie Kirk, Melissa Hortman adds 'political affiliation' to hate crimes

Republican Assemblymember Laurie Davies introduces legislation following rise in political violence nationwidehttps://t.co/QYnYMW9XVP
— SG⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@GREENESJ333) January 14, 2026

On January 5, California Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (R-74) introduced a bill that would add political affiliation to California's hate crimes classifications. Davies stated that her intent with the bill is to “lower the political temperature.” AB 1535 is called the Hortman-Kirk Political Violence Prevention Act. The bill is named after Democratic Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were shot and killed in their home overnight in June of 2025. Also shot and severely wounded were Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The name of the bill also references conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered in September of 2025 as he spoke at a rally at Utah Valley University.

Davies went on to say about the bill:

I just want people to realize there was a time when agreeing to disagree with people and their political beliefs or religion or whatever it may be was okay. And we need to bring that back and stop pointing fingers at [each other], and make sure that we have the facts. So when it came time for us looking at legislation this year, I really wanted to do something. That’s why I thought we’ve got to lower the political temperature and we have to have strict penalties for the political violence acts, you know, as more of like a cooling agent. So it sets like clear boundaries that while of course policy debates encourage targeting individuals with physical harm for their beliefs or elected position, it’s a high state criminal offense.

Currently, California's hate crime law is defined as "a criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of one or more of the following actual or perceived characteristics of the victim." Those characteristics include disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion. AB1535 would add political affiliation to the list. Citing some potential pushback from her Democrat colleagues, Davies stressed the point that the bill would not infringe on anyone's freedom of speech.

Thanks to the ⁦@ocregister⁩ for covering my new bill #AB1535! Political violence has no place in our democracy and it’s up to leaders to cool the temperatures, not fan the flames. #CALeg https://t.co/CVnIgNYecP
— Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (@AsmLaurieDavies) January 13, 2026

Laurie Davies also cited something almost all conservatives and Republicans have experienced, especially in the last ten years, since President Donald Trump entered politics. Stolen campaign yard signs, be it Trump or any other Republican. Being afraid to put political bumper stickers on a car, voicing political opinions online, and even receiving threats of physical violence. Add to that, Democrat politicians encouraging violence. All because of our beliefs.

ALSO READ: New Polls: Dems Leaderless, Strong Minority Says Political Violence 'Justified'

But is this something that could go national? The out-of-control violence in Minneapolis is certainly a good argument for it. And in New York City, the Democratic Socialists are feverishly "training" and organizing thousands of activists to respond to any federal immigration enforcement that might happen there. Why does only one side get its voice heard without fear of retaliation? With a Republican majority in the House and Senate, now would be a good time to make a national statement that political violence is not okay.

In the meantime, my Democrat neighbor has an upside-down American flag hanging in front of her house. Why should I be afraid to hoist loud and proud my "Don't Tread on Me" flag?

“It’s about a cultural reset. It’s a commitment to the idea that every Californian has the right to their political views without fear of being targeted by those who see them as an enemy rather than a neighbor," State Assemblymember Laurie Davies said.

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/ga1RD2m3ch
— Rothmus 🏴 (@Rothmus) January 13, 2026

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