California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Senate Bill 509, a measure that sought to mandate specialized police training to identify and respond to incidents of transnational repression. The bill had passed both houses of the state legislature but faced significant controversy over its implications and perceived targeting of certain diaspora communities.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Senator Anna Caballero and Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, aimed to direct the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), in consultation with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), to create and implement a curriculum for law enforcement officers. The training would have focused on recognizing and responding to cases where foreign governments attempt to harass, intimidate, or influence individuals living in the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation defines transnational repression as actions by foreign governments that extend beyond their borders to “intimidate, silence, coerce, harass, or harm members of their diaspora and exile communities.” Proponents of the bill, including several Sikh advocacy groups, had argued that such training was essential to protect vulnerable communities from foreign interference and politically motivated violence.
However, the measure drew sharp criticism from other sections of the Indian American community, who claimed that the bill’s language was overly broad and risked unfairly targeting members of the Hindu faith. Critics said that the absence of a clear and unified federal definition of “transnational repression” could lead to misinterpretation and potential bias in enforcement.
In his veto message to the legislature, Governor Newsom acknowledged the bill’s intent but stated that the issue was better handled administratively and in coordination with federal agencies. “While I appreciate the author’s intent to enhance the state’s ability to identify and respond to transnational repression, this issue is best addressed through administrative action in coordination with federal agencies,” the Governor said.
He further explained that codifying specific definitions in state law could reduce flexibility and risk future inconsistencies, especially since no nationwide standard currently exists. “By codifying definitions related to this training, this bill would remove the state’s flexibility and ability to avoid future inconsistencies related to this work,” he wrote.
The Governor also pointed out that Cal OES had already developed a training program designed to help law enforcement officers recognize and respond to cases of transnational repression. Information about this course, called the Transnational Repression Awareness class, is available through the California Specialized Training Institute’s Criminal Justice and Homeland Security division. Newsom emphasized that the existing training was developed collaboratively by Cal OES, POST, and federal partners to ensure alignment with national standards.
“My administration moved quickly to provide local agencies with the necessary tools to protect these impacted communities while maintaining the essential administrative flexibility to adapt to this evolving issue,” the Governor added.
🚨BREAKING | @CAgovernor Gavin Newsom vetoes the highly controversial SB 509, the “transnational repression training” bill.
The bill, introduced by @CASenCaballero & @AsmJasmeetBains was strongly opposed by coalitions of Hindu, Indian American, Jewish & law-enforcement… pic.twitter.com/X7aeuW9eEN
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) October 13, 2025
Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, one of the bill’s co-authors, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic following the veto. In a statement, she said the proposal represented an effort to confront hate and intimidation in all forms. “One bill cannot make or break my community. We stand against hate, racism, and fearmongering,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to the issue.
The bill had passed unanimously in both houses of the legislature, though 21 Assembly members abstained from voting. Despite bipartisan support for the concept, the measure’s specific wording generated unease among some lawmakers and community organizations.
Observers noted that Newsom’s decision reflects a broader preference for handling matters of transnational repression through existing administrative mechanisms rather than through legislation. California’s law enforcement agencies have been receiving updated federal guidance in recent years as concerns have grown about foreign governments allegedly targeting diaspora activists and political dissidents in the United States.
With the veto, SB 509 will not become law. However, Cal OES’s current training modules on the issue remain active, and officials have indicated that ongoing collaboration with federal agencies will continue to ensure that law enforcement personnel are equipped to identify and respond to threats of foreign interference.
(Source: AsAmNews)
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