February 19, 2025 (Sacramento, CA) — Today, the Sikh Coalition joins other Sikh organizations in applauding the introduction of SB 509, a California state bill to combat transnational repression—including transnational repression by the government of India that continues to threaten U.S.-based Sikhs.
SB 509, introduced by State Senator Anna M. Caballero (CA-D-14) and co-authored by Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (CA-D-35)) and Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (CA-D-27), offers a formal definition of transnational repression and requires the development of a “transnational repression recognition and response” training for state and local law enforcement agencies. Of note, a bill similar to SB 509 (Assembly Bill 3027) was introduced in the California Assembly by Assemblymember Dr. Bains in the last legislative session; the Sikh Coalition has collaborated with Senator Caballero’s office, Assemblymember Dr. Bains’ office, the Jakara Movement, the American Sikh Caucus Committee, and SALDEF on this latest iteration of the measure.
If you are a member of the California sangat, you can TAKE ACTION today to support this bill:
- Use our free advocacy tool to send a pre-written letter to your State Senator urging them to support SB 509.
- When you’re done—or if you aren’t a member of the California sangat—share thesikh.co/CA-TNR-bill with your California-based family and friends urging them to speak out.
“The Sikh Coalition is proud to support this critical measure,” said Puneet Kaur, Sikh Coalition Senior State Policy Manager. “Transnational repression remains a persistent threat against our community, recognized by the FBI, Department of Justice, and elected officials at all levels of government, and states have an important role to play in making sure that Sikh civil rights and lives are protected. SB 509 gives California the opportunity to be a clear leader in the nation on addressing this pressing matter, and we are thankful to both Senator Caballero and Assemblymember Dr. Bains for their work on this issue.”
The Sikh Coalition looks forward to submitting our letter of support and offering testimony for SB 509 when it is formally brought before to the Senate Public Safety Committee. We will provide updates as the bill moves through the legislative process; if passed, this would be the first state bill in the nation (to our knowledge) to formally recognize and address transnational repression. For more information about our organization’s work on transnational repression, including the updated edition of our transnational repression report, visit our website.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.