Senator Durazo's Landmark Immigration Protection Bills Pass Legislature, Head to Governor's Desk

Senator Durazo's Landmark Immigration Protection Bills Pass Legislature, Head to Governor's Desk

SACRAMENTO - Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) announced today that two critical pieces of legislation have successfully passed through the California Legislature and are heading to Governor Newsom's desk. SB 580, the Strengthening Immigrant Protection Response Guides Act, and SB 635, the Street Vendor Business Protection Act, cleared their final votes in the Legislature on September 10 and September 12 respectively. Their passage represents significant victories in protecting California's immigrant communities and micro-entrepreneurs.

"Under the current federal administration, immigrant families and street vendors are living in constant fear," said Senator Durazo. "These bills ensure California remains a state where hardworking people can access services, pursue their dreams, and contribute to our communities without fear. These bills also make clear that no state resources will be used to support Trump's cruel mass deportation agenda. California stands for dignity, safety, and opportunity, not fear and separation."

SB 580: Strengthening Immigrant Protection Response Guides

SB 580 builds on nearly a decade of California Attorney General guidance by requiring comprehensive model policies for all state and local agencies. While Attorney General Bonta has issued updated guidance for courts, healthcare facilities, schools, and other sectors, many public agencies lack clear direction on civil immigration enforcement scenarios.

The bill requires the Attorney General to publish model policies for state and local agencies on interactions with immigration authorities, along with guidance, audit criteria, and training recommendations for agency databases. This ensures all Californians can access essential services regardless of immigration status.

SB 635: Street Vendor Business Protection Act

SB 635 addresses practices that specifically target street vendors, many of whom are immigrant entrepreneurs taking their first steps toward the American dream. Currently, local governments can collect sensitive information including citizenship status and require fingerprinting, which is automatically shared with federal law enforcement through existing agreements.

The Street Vendor Business Protection Act prohibits local sidewalk vending permit programs from inquiring about immigration status, citizenship, criminal history, or requiring fingerprints. It also prevents enforcement officers from voluntarily sharing vendors' sensitive information and ensures third-party contractors adopt the same data protection standards as local jurisdictions.

Broad Community Coalition

Both bills received strong support from diverse coalitions. SB 635 is co-sponsored by Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Community Power Collective, Inclusive Action for the City, Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, and Public Counsel, with backing from over 60 organizations including the California Federation of Labor, ACLU California Action, and multiple city governments.

SB 580 is sponsored by SEIU California with support from organizations including California Faculty Association, California Federation of Labor, and UnidosUS.

"Street vending plays a crucial role in California's cultural and civic life, offering economic opportunities especially for low-income and immigrant workers," Senator Durazo explained. "These micro-entrepreneurs reinvest their earnings into local economies and strengthen our communities."

Next Steps

With California home to over 10 million immigrants representing 27% of the state's population and the majority of workers in key industries like agriculture, construction, and healthcare, these protections are essential for the state's economic stability.

"All Californians deserve the right to access services and live without fear," Senator Durazo said. "I urge Governor Newsom to sign these bills immediately so we can provide the peace, safety, and protections our communities deserve."

###

Senator María Elena Durazo represents the 26th Senate District which includes Central Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, and the City of Vernon.