Assemblymembers Propose Bill To Establish CA Hate Crimes Hotline

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Two California State Assemblymembers have introduced a bill that will require the California Department of Justice to establish a toll-free hotline as well as an online reporting system to report hate crimes and hate incidents.

Assemblymembers Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), who represents Manhattan Beach, and David Chiu (D-San Francisco) have introduced AB 557 in response to the recent spike in hate crimes, particularly against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hate crimes are crimes against an entire community, not just an individual victim,” stated Muratsuchi. “According to the nonprofit initiative StopAAPIHate.com, over 2,800 hate incidents have been reported across the country since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Justice estimates over half of all hate crimes are never reported.

“A toll-free hate crimes hotline, along with an online reporting system, will allow victims and witnesses to report a hate incident against any group in a safe, anonymous manner, particularly those who may face language or cultural barriers or are undocumented. As a statewide law enforcement agency, the California DOJ should be the central clearinghouse of such reports to coordinate with local law enforcement and to provide support for victims.”

Similar hotlines have been established recently in parts of California and in other states following reports of an increase in hate crimes nationwide. In California, the District Attorneys’ Offices of the City and County of San Francisco and the County of Alameda have established hotlines.

Muratsuchi represents California’s 66th Assembly District, which includes Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, El Camino Village, Gardena, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Lomita, Los Angeles, and West Carson.

Chiu represents the 17th Assembly District, which encompasses the eastern portions of San Francisco, including its central financial and governmental core as well as several of the more working-class neighborhoods of the city.

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