Justice For All Statement on the Veto of California Bill SB 509 by Governor Newsom

October 20, 2025

Justice For All expresses dismay with California’s Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of California bill SB 509. On October 13, 2025, Gov. Newsom returned the bill without signature, thus vetoing it. SB 509 sought to increase education and training for California law enforcement, helping them recognize and respond to transnational repression.

While the bill’s text used a succinct definition of “transnational repression,” Gov. Newsom took issue with it, referring to the lack of a federal definition in his vetoing the bill.

In fact, lacking a federal definition, it becomes even more important for states with large diaspora populations to adopt definitions for “transnational repression.” California is unique in having sizable Chinese and Indian diaspora populations, two communities Justice For All is particularly concerned about. Additionally the documented attempts by India’s intelligence agencies in intimidation and assassination attempts against Sikh-Americans in California should have provided an urgency in adopting the training called for by SB 509.

It is no secret that several organizations that openly promote foreign governments were in opposition to this bill. By vetoing SB 509, Gov. Newsom has played into the hands of these organizations and has left Californians vulnerable to further intimidatory tactics. Further, California would have set an example and a precedent since its passage would have sent a strong message to foreign actors that their actions are being watched. The bill would have paved the way for other states with high diaspora populations to adopt their own versions of SB 509.