CA AB1535

Named the "Hortman-Kirk Political Violence Prevention Act," this bill allows courts to consider a defendant's motivation based on the victim's political affiliation as an aggravating factor when sentencing for any felony conviction

Defines "political affiliation" as belonging to a political party, endorsing a political party or its platform, or endorsing a politician or their platform

Amended from the original version, which would have added political affiliation to the formal hate crime statute; the revised bill instead creates a separate sentencing enhancement provision under Penal Code Section 422.76

Requires no state reimbursement to local agencies because the bill changes the penalty for crimes rather than creating mandated programs

Introduced by Assembly Member Davies on January 5, 2026, and amended on March 5, 2026