Author: SJC AgFest Webmaster

There is a new law pending in the state legislature that will expose anyone interacting with animals to increased liability and risk of targeted lawsuits by extremist organizations. Assembly Bill 554 will allow SPCA’S to bring civil actions against claims alleging a violation of “any law related to or affecting animals.” Any 20 Californians can form an SPCA, and therefore if this becomes law, there will be a new avenue for extremists to stop the production of agriculture, fairs, educational projects, entertainment productions and more before a trial is even conducted on the alleged conduct. This bill’s authority if improperly used, will negatively impact student projects, attendance at fairs and can create a very litigious environment around animal agriculture both at the fair,  but also locally at school farms and in backyards across the state. 

This bill could be brought up for a vote at any time by the California State Assembly, so it is imperative that Assemblymembers hear directly from those who this bill would be harming. We are asking you to contact the bill’s author and coauthor using the contact information below to voice your concerns and that you are OPPOSED to AB 554.

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (author of AB 554):
Capitol Office:
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0046
Tel: (916) 319-2046

Assemblymember Bill Essayli (coauthor of AB 554):
Capitol Office:
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0063
Tel: 916-319-2063

If you would like to look up who represents YOU in the state Assembly and ask them for their NO vote on AB 554, please find your legislator HERE.