SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Diya TV) — A bill to strengthen laws on institutional threats made its way through the California State Assembly. Assembly Bill 237 (AB 237), which was put forward by Indian American Assemblymember Darshana Patel (D-San Diego County), seeks to make threats towards institutions like schools, workplaces, and hospitals a criminal offense, even when not made against a named individual. The bill just cleared the Assembly Public Safety Committee and now will be considered by the Appropriations Committee.

Current California law criminalizes threats only when they are credible, specific, and targeted toward individuals, exposing institutions to liability. AB 237 attempts to fill this gap by criminalizing willfully threatening, by whatever means—including social media postings—to commit a crime that is likely to cause death or great bodily injury at targeted locations. The suggested punishments are serving time in a county jail for a maximum of one year or in state prison for 16 months, two years, or three years. ​

The bill was sponsored in response to activity at Shoal Creek Elementary School in San Diego, in which an ex-Marine combat veteran, Lee Lor, supposedly sent more than 350 emails threatening a shooting on school property. Although Lor was arrested and charged, laws that currently stand allowed for complications during prosecution, showing the importance of legislative involvement.

Assemblymember Patel highlighted the significance of the bill in boosting public safety and noted that it “brings us closer to safeguarding individuals within these facilities, those who come in, and all who depend on their services.” She added that although the threats at Shoal Creek Elementary drove the legislation, the necessity for such actions is clear throughout the state.

The bill has co-sponsors from the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, the California District Attorneys Association, and the California Police Chiefs Association. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan also voiced support, pointing out the bill will prevent threats and enhance public safety.