Senator Alvarado-Gil speaks at a Capitol press conference in support of SB 1070 before its hearing on March 24, 2026

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) joined Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), and faith leaders from across California at a joint press conference urging the swift passage of Senate Bill 1070 (SB 1070). The legislation would have strengthened penalties for intentional disruptions of religious services and safeguards houses of worship as sacred spaces.

SB 1070 was rejected on March 24 by the Senate Public Safety Committee on a party-line vote, but the senators have promised that the fight to protect religious liberty will continue.

“In California’s rural towns and farming regions, the local church, synagogue, or chapel is often the heart of the community, where families gather, neighbors support one another, and entire small towns find solace and strength,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “The one place people should never have to worry about violence, harassment, or deliberate chaos is the place where they come to pray. We will continue to fight to protect the constitutional rights of every faith, and ensure all Californians can worship in peace and safety.”

Nationwide, more than 415 hostile acts were directed at houses of worship in 2024, with California recording the highest number at 40 incidents. These include blocked entrances, high-decibel noise, intimidation inside sanctuaries, and deliberate interference that prevents worship. Current law treats such disruptions as misdemeanors regardless of severity, duration, or coordination.

SB 1070 would have allowed prosecutors to charge serious, repeated, or coordinated disruptions as felonies. The bill would have also protected private property rights and First Amendment freedoms without restricting peaceful protest on public sidewalks.

Click here to view Senator Alvarado-Gil’s remarks.