California Lawmakers Pass Legislation to Punish Dissenting Doctors for ‘Misinformation’

Legislation that would punish doctors who dissent from the California government’s messaging on COVID-19 passed the state Legislature.

A doctor wears a hood and N95 respiratory mask in Oakland, Calif., on April 28, 2009. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Legislation that would punish doctors who dissent from the California government’s messaging on COVID-19 passed the state Legislature on Aug. 30. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to either veto the legislation or sign it into law.

The final amendments to Assembly Bill 2098 (AB 2098), introduced by Assemblyman Evan Low, a Democrat, were passed by a 56–20 vote in the California State Assembly.