Democrats back Republican effort to double fines for protesters in California

Lawmakers in California want to double the penalty for protesters who block highways, a sign of increased frustration among both Republicans and Democrats with demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war such as the one that recently snarled traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Legislation authored by a Republican cleared a key committee vote Monday at the Capitol with crucial support from four Democrats, who defied the committee chair to advance the bill.

The measure still has to pass the full Assembly and Senate and win the support of Gov. Gavin Newsom, but the vote signals a split among Democrats, who dominate the state Legislature and have been divided by the protests over the war that have roiled major cities and universities.

The bill by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez would double the fine for protesters who block a highway and prevent emergency vehicles from passing from $100 to $200. The penalty could rise to $1,000 for multiple offenses within three years.

“These highway blockings are becoming more frequent, more reckless and more dangerous,” Sanchez said. “We have already seen negative public health and safety outcomes because of this.”

Demonstrators halted traffic April 15 on San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge by chaining themselves to stationary vehicles as part of a nationwide effort to push for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Sanchez, who represents a Southern California district, said an earlier demonstration on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge delayed three organ transplants at a local hospital. “That’s real,” she said. “That’s someone’s health we’re talking about.”

Assemblymember Lori Wilson, who represents a Bay Area district and is chair of the Transportation Committee, said existing penalties are sufficient and opposed the legislation. “I still believe that the bill is unnecessary and ultimately will not solve the problem,” she said.

None of the four Democrats who backed the bill — Juan Carrillo, Diane Papan, Chris Ward and Gregg Hart — explained their vote during the hearing.