AB 1538: Crimes: corruption.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to, by force or threat of force, willfully injure, intimidate, interfere with, oppress, or threaten another person in the free exercise or enjoyment of a right or privilege secured by the Constitution or laws of this state or by the Constitution or laws of the United States, in whole or in part, because of one or more of specified actual or perceived characteristics of the victim, including disability, gender, religion, race, or sexual orientation.

This bill would make it a crime for an elected or appointed official, under color of authority, to retaliate or exert political retribution, as defined, against a person for exercising a constitutionally protected right. The bill would make a violation of this crime punishable by forfeiture of office. The bill would specify that these provisions do not apply to the hiring or personnel decisions of elected or appointed officials that are relative to an employee or prospective employee of that elected or appointed official. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 14, 2026In committee: Held under submission.
2. April 8, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
3. April 6, 2026Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4. March 26, 2026Read second time and amended.
5. March 25, 2026From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 24).
6. March 18, 2026Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
7. March 17, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.
8. March 17, 2026In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
9. March 10, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
10. February 2, 2026Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
11. January 6, 2026From printer. May be heard in committee February 5.
12. January 5, 2026Read first time. To print.