Critics Question California’s ‘Agenda-Driven’ Assembly Public Safety Committee’s Blocking Bills

Legislative documents reveal dozens of bills—many related to crime—stalled in the committee this year, with authors from both parties seeing their bills denied.

The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, Calif., on April 18, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle questioned decisions made by the Legislature’s Assembly Public Safety Committee this year following the blockage of measures to address growing concerns surrounding fentanyl distribution and criminal activity.

Such outcomes were routine for proposals seeking to increase sentencing and punitive measures to reduce crime—including rape, robbery, shoplifting, drug dealing, and assault, among others—during the now-concluded first portion of the 2023–2024 legislative session.