Senator Wahab Advances Three Key Bills

During a Wednesday press conference, State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward) celebrated the success of three bills being passed through their respective committees.

SB 403, Discrimination on the Basis of Caste, would clarify California civil rights law to explicitly include protection against discrimination based on a person’s position in a caste. SB 403 will help millions of people across California, including expanding culturally informed care for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence.

SB 404, The Safe Minors Act, makes it a crime for any person to willfully arrange or officiate a marriage between a minor and another person that occurs outside of the confines of existing marriage licensing law. SB 404 would save children from being forced into non-consensual and harmful relationships. SB 464, Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights, would expand survivors’ rights by providing the option of an additional legal expert to protect and ensure that case disposition is shared in a timely manner. SB 464 would enhance victims and survivors’ support as they engage in our legal and justice systems.

A number of senators have come out in support of these bills, go as far as to co-author.

Of the bills and her ongoing legislative priorities, Senator Wahab said she is, “eager to continue advancing legislation that positively impacts the lives of women and children; as well as victims and survivors of sexual abuse and assault.”