SB 54: Vote is today

Area state Sen. Jim Nielsen of Tehama also opposes SB 54 and debated against it on the Senate floor and appropriations committee.

“For the people coming here desperately to work and seek to help their families, it will not be a sanctuary,” Nielsen said. “It will only be a sanctuary to criminals. They will flock here in droves and seek to be protected from any justice.”

Yuba County Jail’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Gallagher said, could also be in jeopardy.

ICE pays the county and the sheriff’s department about $5 million a year to house detainees.

Gallagher said the bill has “multiple layers” and is not a well-thought-out policy. Additionally, he said, it was an emotional response by de Leon to President Donald Trump.

Despite the bipartisan split amongst legislators, Gallagher is optimistic Democrats will find merit in the opposition’s argument.

“I am hopeful this will not go down party lines,” he said. “When this bill comes to the floor, I hope that both Democrats and Republicans raise significant concerns about public safety.”

The bill has moved through two Senate committees, an Assembly Public Safety Committee and a Senate floor vote with no Republican support.

The judiciary committee is comprised of eight Democrats and three Republicans.

According to Katja Townsend, capitol director for Gallagher’s office, the judiciary committee will vote on the bill today.

If the bill passes, it will be sent to the appropriations committee. Deadline for the bill to be heard by that committee is Sept. 1.

A vote on the Assembly floor is dependent on the bill passing the appropriations committee, Townsend said.