FRESNO (KMJ) — A prominent California Republican is calling for a veto the “sanctuary state” bill. State Senate GOP leader Patricia Bates has sent Governor Jerry Brown a letter calling for him to reject SB54.
In it, she acknowledges the author’s concerns regarding federal policies, but adds “this measure will not solve those problems. Instead it serves only to create an unnecessary and confrontational relationship between the state and federal government.” You can read the full letter clicking here.
The legislation, also known as the California Values Act, would stop local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The text itself states that, subject to exceptions, it would “prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies, including school police and security departments, from using money or personnel to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes.” You can read the full text clicking here.
It passed the Assembly on September 15th, passed the Senate on September 16th, and was presented to the Governor on September 22nd. Senator Bates’ letter was also dated September 22nd.
“I do think Governor Brown has spent a lot of time thinking about the legitimacy of this particular policy,” reveals Senator Patricia Bates to KMJ News.
“Is it possible that he would veto it or send it back for some more amendments, based on what our state Sheriffs’ Association is saying? I would hope so, but certainly he has the final word.”
The California State Sheriff’s Association describes the legislative approval of SB54 as choosing political symbolism over public safety.
“We’re talking about individuals who are not here legally, haven’t gone through the process to be here legally, and while they’ve been here they’ve committed some serious crimes,” continues Senator Bates.
The proposal itself was authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León. In a statement, his office says the Governor has made it clear that he will be signing SB54.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
