Cervantes Bill to Strengthen Sexual Assault Policies on College Campuses Signed Into Law

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1000 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) into law. AB 1000 would require higher education institutions to review and update written procedures and protocols related to sexual assault and harassment each academic year in collaboration with sexual assault counselors and representatives of students, faculty, and staff.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) requires universities to comply with Title IX by establishing procedures to promptly and equitably resolve complaints of sexual assault and or misconduct on their campuses. Under current law, public colleges and universities are required to take specific actions to prevent and address sexual harassment and sexual violence, which includes adopting and implementing a written procedure or protocols relating to sexual assault. However, these institutions are not required to review or update such policies on a frequent basis.

“I am grateful that the Governor has signed Assembly Bill 1000. Allowing sexual assault counselors, students, faculty, and staff to contribute to the policy review process can further improve sexual assault policies in its ongoing prevention and response efforts. It is critical that our higher education institutions include much needed perspectives and fundamentally shift their approach to sexual assault procedures and protocols,” said Assemblymember Cervantes.

AB 1000 passed the Legislature with strong bipartisan support. The provisions of the bill will go into effect on January 1, 2020. You can find more information about the bill here.

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Sabrina Cervantes proudly represents the 60th District of the California State Assembly, which encompasses the cities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, a portion of Riverside, and the unincorporated communities of Coronita, El Cerrito, and Home Gardens. Cervantes serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy.