California Approves Security Funding for Nonprofits

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that provides security funding to nonprofit organizations at risk of hate-motivated violence. The maximum grant is $200,000 per institution. AB 1548, by state Assembly member Jesse Gabriel (D-San Fernando Valley), establishes the state Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is designed to improve the security of organizations at high risk of violent attacks or hate crimes due to ideology, beliefs or mission. The legislation builds upon the state’s previous commitment to allocate $15 million to help religious and community-based nonprofits strengthen security in the wake of the April 27 shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue that left one person dead and three wounded.