Freedom Index

A Legislative Scorecard Based on the Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Votes


Right to “Food Security”  |  SB628

SB628 declares that “it is the established policy of this state that every human being has the right to access sufficient affordable and healthy food,” and requires “all relevant state agencies to consider this state policy…pertinent to the distribution of sufficient food.”   

The Senate passed SB628 on September 14, 2023, by a vote of 36 to 3. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because there exists no “right to access sufficient affordable and healthy food” apart from a person earning it themselves or having received it privately, voluntarily, or charitably from someone else. Importantly, the U.S. Constitution already protects our unalienable rights to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” which provides every individual American with the opportunity and dignity to feed both themselves and their family as expected—by meeting their own needs, through their own efforts, and using their own resources. Hence, California has absolutely no business promising “food security” to any of its residents, particularly those who have little or no tax liability, by means of “distribution of sufficient food” at the expense of other hard-working citizens. State legislators must firmly reject the notion of “food security,” which the United Nations, as part of its Agenda 2030 “Zero Hunger” initiative, describes as a “precondition for the full enjoyment of the right to food,” based on Article 25 of the anti-constitutional and socialist Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Article V Convention: Gun Control  |  SJR7

SJR7 applies to Congress to call an Article V convention for the purpose of proposing a constitutional amendment on “firearms regulations and prohibitions.”

The Assembly passed SJR7 on September 14, 2023, by a vote of 53 to 17. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because Article V of the U.S. Constitution was designed to correct potential errors or defects in the Constitution—not to misconstrue or abuse its powers. The Second Amendment’s declaratory clause on the “right of the people to keep and bear Arms” protects an individual’s God-given and unalienable right to self-defense, which is not subject to redefinition or a vote from government. Instead of failing to uphold their oath of office and risking a constitutional convention that would restrict the rights of the people, legislators in California and the rest of the several States should “support and defend the Constitution” by acting to immediately nullify all unconstitutional federal laws, including those on firearms. Whenever the federal government assumes undelegated powers, nullification of such acts, as reserved to the States under the 10th Amendment, is the proper remedy.

“Hate Crimes” Policy by Law Enforcement  |  AB449

AB449 makes the adoption of a “hate crimes” policy by a state and local law enforcement agency mandatory by July 1, 2024. 

The Senate passed AB449 on September 11, 2023, by a vote of 39 to 0. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because “hate crimes” legislation is a farce being promoted by those who falsely believe it is the duty of government to right every wrong. This concept is not only impossible, but dangerous in a free society and antithetical to the U.S. Constitution. Since not all “hate” is or can be made criminal (e.g., anger, envy, or lust), the legitimate powers of government extend only to acts that are injurious to others (e.g., murder, theft, or rape). In other words, civil authorities have a dual role of both securing the right to life, liberty, and property for each person and punishing anyone who deprives it, regardless of the perpetrator’s motivations or the victim’s sex, race, religion, etc. The power to arrest, prosecute, or retry a person based on allegations of “hate”—which is a misnomer for government thought control—is not one that should be granted to any law enforcement agency or court system. Regardless of how unpopular, elusive, or detestable a defendant or their ideas may be, the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment provide for an “impartial jury,” prevent double jeopardy, and guarantee “due process” and “equal protection of the laws.”

Firearm Purchase Waiting Periods  |  AB1406

AB1406 allows the California Department of Justice to delay a firearms background check up to 30 days if “additional research” is required to determine a person’s eligibility or by order of the Attorney General in the event of an “emergency.”

The Assembly passed AB1406 on September 11, 2023, by a vote of 67 to 9. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because this bill is just another example of California disparaging the rights of law-abiding citizens by hindering, through warrantless inquiry and delay, their ability to freely purchase and receive a firearm—without the burden of providing probable cause or proof of criminal activity. Nevertheless, the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment prevent “any State” from depriving or denying “any person” of “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” Moreover, the Second Amendment guarantees that the unalienable “right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,” regardless of an “emergency.”

“Gender Identity” Affirmation for Child Custody  |  AB957

AB957 would include a parent’s affirmation of the child’s “gender identity or gender expression” as part of the “health, safety, and welfare” factors used to determine the “best interests of the child” for the purposes of deciding custody.

The Assembly passed AB957 on September 8, 2023, by a vote of 61 to 16, prior to it being vetoed by the Governor. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because no person has a right to abuse a child using the pretext of LGBTQ+ ideology, nor should any parent ever be compelled to acquiesce to it under the threat of losing custody. On the contrary, ‘child grooming’—whether it involves indoctrinating a child with cruel and fictional “gender identity” constructs or violating their right to life and limb through the grotesque practice of sex mutilation—should be considered illegal in California and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment protect both the basic humanity of children and the fundamental rights of parents from being unjustly deprived, denied, or disparaged.

State-Licensing of Homemade Firearms  |  AB1089

AB1089 requires “anybody” who uses a three-dimensional (3D) printer or computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine to make a firearm to be a “state-licensed manufacturer.”

The Senate passed AB1089 on September 6, 2023, by a vote of 32 to 6. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because this blatantly unconstitutional law seeks to eliminate so-called ‘ghost guns,’ which do not have a state or federally traceable serial number. Yet, the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment protect the rights of Californians to sell, purchase, or possess their own “private property,” such as homemade firearms created for the purpose of self-defense, without needing to be “licensed” by the government. Besides, the Second Amendment specifically guarantees that “the right of people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Article V Convention: Gun Control  |  SJR7

SJR7 applies to Congress to call an Article V convention for the purpose of proposing a constitutional amendment on “firearms regulations and prohibitions.”

The Senate passed SJR7 on September 6, 2023, by a vote of 24 to 11. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because Article V of the U.S. Constitution was designed to correct potential errors or defects in the Constitution—not to misconstrue or abuse its powers. The Second Amendment’s declaratory clause on the “right of the people to keep and bear Arms” protects an individual’s God-given and unalienable right to self-defense, which is not subject to redefinition or a vote from government. Instead of failing to uphold their oath of office and risking a constitutional convention that would restrict the rights of the people, legislators in California and the rest of the several States should “support and defend the Constitution” by acting to immediately nullify all unconstitutional federal laws, including those on firearms. Whenever the federal government assumes undelegated powers, nullification of such acts, as reserved to the States under the 10th Amendment, is the proper remedy.

“Gender Identity” Affirmation for Child Custody  |  AB957

AB957 would include a parent’s affirmation of the child’s “gender identity or gender expression” as part of the “health, safety, and welfare” factors used to determine the “best interests of the child” for the purposes of deciding custody.

The Senate passed AB957 on September 6, 2023, by a vote of 30 to 9, prior to it being vetoed by the Governor. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because no person has a right to abuse a child using the pretext of LGBTQ+ ideology, nor should any parent ever be compelled to acquiesce to it under the threat of losing custody. On the contrary, ‘child grooming’—whether it involves indoctrinating a child with cruel and fictional “gender identity” constructs or violating their right to life and limb through the grotesque practice of sex mutilation—should be considered illegal in California and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment protect both the basic humanity of children and the fundamental rights of parents from being unjustly deprived, denied, or disparaged.

Aspiration Abortions by Physician Assistants  |  SB385

SB385 expands aspiration abortion training for physician assistants and permits physician assistants to perform aspiration abortions without the personal presence of a supervising physician and surgeon.  

The Assembly passed SB385 on August 24, 2023, by a vote of 58 to 15. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because the care of human life—not its destruction—is the greatest responsibility of government. As such, California ought to forbid the gruesome procedure of aspiration abortion, along with all other methods of abortion, and secure the right to life for every pre-born child. The right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the Fifth and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

“Climate-Resilient” Bond Act of 2024  |  AB408

AB408 establishes the “Climate-resilient Farms, Sustainable Healthy Food Access, and Farmworker Protection Bond Act of 2024,” which, if approved by voters, would authorize $3.4 billion in general bond obligations to finance programs related to “climate change,” “food insecurity,” and an “equitable economy.”      

The Assembly passed AB408 on May 31, 2023, by a vote of 67 to 9. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because this United Nations Agenda 2030-inspired “sustainable development” bill is part of a global war on farmers and threatens to further tax Californians for a variety of ‘woke’ state bond-funded projects geared towards “socially disadvantaged” and “historically underserved communities.” None of its socialist scheme, which relies upon forms of wealth distribution, is constitutional, let alone environmentally beneficial or moral. The Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment protect against undue deprivations or disparagements of a person’s “property,” such as government-imposed theft disguised as taxation, as well as guarantee “equal protection of the laws” for all Americans—in order to promote the “general Welfare.” The people of California, not to mention the state’s legislators and local officials, must choose freedom and stop implementation of this detrimental and costly act.

Ban on Biometric Police Bodycam Surveillance  |  AB1034

AB1034 would prohibit a law enforcement officer or agency from using any biometric surveillance system in connection with a law enforcement agency’s body-worn camera or data collected from an officer camera.

The Assembly passed AB1034 on May 15, 2023, by a vote of 41 to 17. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the widespread use of biometric surveillance, such as facial recognition technology, on police body cameras would be tantamount to requiring every person in California to show their photo ID to every police officer—a mass and warrantless form of ‘secret search.’ It would be a dangerous, direct, and continual violation of the personal privacy provisions of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right of the people to be secure against “unreasonable searches.”

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day  |  SCR41

SCR41 proclaims March 15, 2023, as “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, a day of remembrance and education to ensure that all Californians always honor and remember a vibrant guardian of equality for all.”

The Senate passed SCR41 on March 23, 2023, by a vote of 39 to 0. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ought not to be celebrated, especially as a “champion for gender justice, abortion rights…and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.” During her more than four decades as federal judge, Ginsburg’s disgraceful “legacy” involved her fiercely defending the mass killing of babies and the widespread practice of sexual perversion, among other abominable violations of constitutional law. Yet, despite her infamous tenure, which ended in her death in 2020, the radical Left has continued with their propagandist efforts to make Ginsburg into an idolatrous feminist icon to be worshiped in American popular culture—most notably by erecting sculptures and monuments that pay tribute to her, like the bizarre and surrealistically satanic 8-foot golden statue outside a New York City courthouse. It is repugnant that members of the California State Legislature have consecrated Ginsburg’s birthday for public “honor” and “remembrance” rather than, for example, proclaiming it as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer.

State-Mandated Kindergarten  |  SB70

SB70 requires a child to complete one year of kindergarten before that child may be admitted to the first grade at a public elementary school.

The Senate passed SB70 on August 29, 2022, by a vote of 33 to 5. We have assigned pluses to the noes because a child’s education is the responsibility of–and a fundamental right of choice retained by–the parents, not the government. Parental rights, as with all other constitutional rights, are protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Restrictions  |  SB918

SB918 would create several major provisions related to concealed carry weapons (CCW) licenses, which include raising the minimum age requirement to 21, mandating that the training course no less than 16 hours in length, and prohibiting a number of areas in which CCW licensees are not allowed to carry.

The Assembly failed to pass SB918 on September 1, 2022, by a vote of 53 to 23 (less than two-thirds vote for urgency measure). We have assigned pluses to the noes because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms should not be infringed, as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Budget  |  SB154

SB154 contains the 2022 Budget Act, which, along with other related legislation, implements California’s state budget. The budget amounts to approximately $307.9 billion in total state funds for FY 2022-23.

The Senate passed SB154 on June 13, 2022, by a vote of 28 to 8. We have assigned pluses to the noes because the $307.9 billion spending plan relies heavily on unconstitutional federal funds, with federal dollars comprising about 47% of the entire budget as of July 1, 2022. This includes expansion of the state’s Medicaid program to all eligible Californians regardless of immigration status. States should oppose the use of federal taxpayer money for purposes not authorized under Article 1, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution.

Budget  |  SB154

SB154 contains the 2022 Budget Act, which, along with other related legislation, implements California’s state budget. The budget amounts to approximately $307.9 billion in total state funds for FY 2022-23.

The Assembly passed SB154 on June 13, 2022, by a vote of 56 to 18. We have assigned pluses to the noes because the $307.9 billion spending plan relies heavily on unconstitutional federal funds, with federal dollars comprising about 47% of the entire budget as of July 1, 2022. This includes expansion of the state’s Medicaid program to all eligible Californians regardless of immigration status. States should oppose the use of federal taxpayer money for purposes not authorized under Article 1, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution.

State-Mandated Kindergarten  |  SB70

SB70 requires a child to complete one year of kindergarten before that child may be admitted to the first grade at a public elementary school.

The Assembly passed SB70 on August 18, 2022, by a vote of 59 to 12. We have assigned pluses to the noes because a child’s education is the responsibility of–and a fundamental right of choice retained by–the parents, not the government. Parental rights, as with all other constitutional rights, are protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

‘Right to Abortion’ in the California Constitution  |  SCA10

SCA10 would amend the California Constitution to include an individual’s “fundamental right to choose to have an abortion.”

The Senate passed SCA10 on June 20, 2022, by a vote of 29 to 8. We have assigned pluses to the noes because states should act to ban abortion and guarantee the right to life for all persons. The right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

‘Right to Abortion’ in the California Constitution  |  SCA10

SCA10 would amend the California Constitution to include an individual’s “fundamental right to choose to have an abortion.”

The Assembly passed SCA10 on June 27, 2022, by a vote of 58 to 17. We have assigned pluses to the noes because states should act to ban abortion and guarantee the right to life for all persons. The right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Sexual Identity Changes for Minor Children  |  AB421

AB421 requires California courts to order parents who do not sign a change of gender petition that has been filed on behalf of their minor child (under 18 years of age) to show cause why the petition should not be granted by filing a written objection.  

The Senate passed AB421 on June 9, 2022, by a vote of 29-8. We have assigned pluses to the noes because authority over the upbringing of minor children belongs to–and is a fundamental right of–parents, not the government. Parental rights are protected by the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment. Moreover, Article VI, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution requires that “Judges in every State shall be bound thereby,” notwithstanding “anything in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary.”  

Sexual Identity Changes for Minor Children  |  AB421

AB421 requires California courts to order parents who do not sign a change of gender petition that has been filed on behalf of their minor child (under 18 years of age) to show cause why the petition should not be granted by filing a written objection.  

The Assembly passed AB421 on June 20, 2022, by a vote of 57-1. We have assigned pluses to the noes because authority over the upbringing of minor children belongs to–and is a fundamental right of–parents, not the government. Parental rights are protected by the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment. Moreover, Article VI, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution requires that “Judges in every State shall be bound thereby,” notwithstanding “anything in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary.”  

Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Restrictions  |  SB918

SB918 would create several major provisions related to concealed carry weapons (CCW) licenses, which include raising the minimum age requirement to 21, mandating that the training course no less than 16 hours in length, and prohibiting a number of areas in which CCW licensees are not allowed to carry.

The Senate passed SB918 on April 18, 2022, by a vote of 28 to 6. We have assigned pluses to the noes because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms should not be infringed, as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

California Commission on Human Rights  |  AB412

AB412 would establish the California Commission on Human Rights, consisting of 17 members appointed from both the State Legislature and the public. This advisory commission would be required to identify and evaluate California’s protection of human rights, including as “defined, enumerated, or set forth by, but not limited to” the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Senate passed AB412 on September 1, 2021, by a vote of 31-7. We have assigned minuses to the noes because human rights are natural, individual, and unalienable endowments from God, not positive grants by government subject to redefinition. The fundamental civil rights and liberties of the American people are protected by the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment. According to Article VI, Section 2, only the U.S. Constitution and the laws “made in Pursuance thereof,” as well as all treaties made “under the authority of the United States,” are to be the “supreme Law of the Land.”   

California Commission on Human Rights  |  AB412

AB412 would establish the California Commission on Human Rights, consisting of 17 members appointed from both the State Legislature and the public. This advisory commission would be required to identify and evaluate California’s protection of human rights, including as “defined, enumerated, or set forth by, but not limited to” the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Assembly passed AB412 on September 2, 2021, by a vote of 68-0. We have assigned minuses to the ayes because human rights are natural, individual, and unalienable endowments from God, not positive grants by government subject to redefinition. The fundamental civil rights and liberties of the American people are protected by the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment. According to Article VI, Section 2, only the U.S. Constitution and the laws “made in Pursuance thereof,” as well as all treaties made “under the authority of the United States,” are to be the “supreme Law of the Land.”