Melendez Introduces the Anti-Violence Act

SACRAMENTO –Assemblywoman Melissa A. Melendez, R-Lake Elsinore, introduced legislation today, AB 2768, to make it illegal to threaten violence against any school or place of worship in California.

“Last month in Florida, we saw what happens when action is not taken when a violent threat is made against a school. Stricter gun laws alone will not prevent future tragedies from happening,” said Melendez. “If we truly want to prevent these horrific acts then we must be vigilant and proactive on identifying mental illness and people wishing to cause harm. If the signs are there, inaction should not be an option. The price is a matter of life and death.”

Assembly Bill 2768 will make it a crime to threaten to commit an act of violence that would result in death or great injury at any school or place of worship in California.

Under current law, it is illegal to threaten to commit an act of violence against an individual that will result in death or great injury, but schools and places of worship are not included.

AB 2768 is sponsored by Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin.

“I thank Assemblymember Melendez for taking action to help prevent school shootings,” stated Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin, the bill’s sponsor. “This measure is a significant step in the right direction as we strive to protect the most vulnerable among us.”

Assemblywoman Melissa A. Melendez represents the 67^th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar and a portion of Hemet. It also includes the Riverside County unincorporated areas of Lake Mathews, Good Hope, Nuevo, and Winchester. Follow her on Twitter: @asmMelendez