Governor Newsom Signs Street Vendor Protection Act Into Law

Governor Newsom Signs Street Vendor Protection Act Into Law

LOS ANGELES - Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 635, the Street Vendor Protection Act, authored by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), into law yesterday. The landmark legislation protects street vendors' sensitive personal information - collected during local permitting processes - from being accessed by federal immigration enforcement agencies. It provides critical safeguards for immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners across California.

"Street vendors are a cornerstone of our communities and contribute significantly to California's vibrant culture and economy," said Senator María Elena Durazo. "SB 635 ensures that these hardworking entrepreneurs can operate their businesses without fear that their personal information will be turned over to immigration authorities. This law affirms California's commitment to protect immigrant families, support small business owners, and ensure that our limited state and local resources are not used for federal immigration enforcement."

SB 635 was 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.

"The signing of SB 635 is a beam of hope for street vendors during an extremely dark time for immigrant communities," said Shannon Camacho, Senior Policy Associate at Inclusive Action for the City. "SB 635 will provide security for street vendors' private data and ensure that local governments cannot collaborate with immigration enforcement."

"This win is for the street vendors who work tirelessly to put food on the table for their families," said Sergio Jimenez, Senior Community Organizer at Community Power Collective. "Vendors made this possible by working together at a time when our federal administration is trying to divide and isolate us. Que viva la venta ambulante."

"CHIRLA applauds Governor Newsom for signing SB 635 into law and thanks Senator Durazo for her steadfast leadership in being a champion for California's street vendors," said Angelica Salas, Executive Director of CHIRLA. "With this bill, California takes an important step toward fairness, privacy protection, safety, and economic opportunity for thousands of families who deserve to work with dignity and without fear."

"Governor Newsom's signing of SB 635 marks a transformative victory in the fight to protect the dignity, safety, and economic livelihood of immigrant street vendors across California," said Javier Hernandez, Executive Director of Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. "With this law, California takes a decisive stand: local governments will no longer act as pipelines to ICE over minor infractions."

"The passage of SB 635 gives thousands of vendors hope and a sense of belonging during a dark time in our nation's history," said Ritu Mahajan, Directing Attorney at Public Counsel. "It will make a meaningful impact on advancing and safeguarding economic opportunity in low-income communities and communities of color."

SB 635 will take effect January 1, 2026. Local jurisdictions will be required to implement policies ensuring compliance with the new data protection requirements.

Senator Durazo thanked Governor Newsom for signing SB 635, and expressed deep appreciation to the coalition partners, community advocates, and street vendors who shared their stories and championed this legislation.

"This victory belongs to the street vendors who courageously spoke up and demanded protection," Senator Durazo added. "California is stronger when we support all workers and ensure that everyone can contribute to our economy without fear."

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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.