California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Senate Bill 509, a controversial proposal that would have required mandatory law enforcement training on “transnational repression” — a move widely criticised by Hindu, Indian-American, Jewish, and police organisations for its vague language and potential misuse by supporters of extremist ideologies.
Introduced by Senator Anna Caballero and Assemblymembers Jasmeet Bains and Esmeralda Soria, SB 509 aimed to train officers to recognise and respond to so-called transnational repression — defined as harassment, intimidation, or violence directed by foreign governments against individuals abroad. However, critics argued that the bill’s loose definitions could have branded community advocacy against Khalistani extremism as acting on behalf of a foreign government.
In his veto message, Governor Newsom said that while he appreciated the bill’s intent, such issues were “best addressed through administrative action in coordination with federal agencies.” He noted that the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) had already developed training modules on this topic in partnership with federal partners, ensuring national consistency and flexibility. Newsom wrote:
“By codifying definitions related to this training, this bill would remove the state’s flexibility and ability to avoid future inconsistencies related to this work.”
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which led opposition to the bill, welcomed the decision as “a victory for civil rights.” “This veto is a victory for the civil rights of all Californians,” said HAF Managing Director Samir Kalra.
“We are grateful that Governor Newsom saw the lack of necessity for SB 509 and listened to the civil rights concerns this bill posed to millions of Californians. Its vague language threatened to institutionalise bias against Hindus, Indian Americans, and other ethnic minorities — while costing taxpayers millions.”
HAF said it had engaged extensively with lawmakers, provided testimony, and built coalitions to oppose the bill, arguing that it could silence criticism of Khalistani separatism and expose Indian-origin Californians to false accusations of foreign allegiance.
The organisation also stated it would continue working with California’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to ensure that current law enforcement training remains unbiased and inclusive.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) alos praised California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing the controversial SB 509, calling it “a victory for equality before law” and a rejection of ideological bias in state institutions. In a statement, CoHNA thanked the governor, community leaders, and allies such as District Attorney Jeff Rosen for opposing the bill, which it said could have unfairly labelled people as “agents of foreign governments” for expressing dissenting views.
The group criticised lawmakers for focusing on “ghosts of transnational repression crimes” instead of tackling real issues such as hate crimes and public safety, noting that four Hindu temples were vandalised between December 2023 and March 2025 and that anti-Hindu hate remains the second highest in California after antisemitism.
Ajay Jain Bhutoria, the former advisor to President Biden on the Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) National Leadership Council, expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing a bill, which many claimed was ‘directed at Hindus and Indians’ in the US.
Governor Newsom’s veto means that California’s existing voluntary training program — developed in coordination with federal agencies — will remain in place without new legislative mandates.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
