Darshana Patel’s Bill Advances: Closing Loopholes On Threats To Public Institutions

India-West News Desk

SACRAMENTO, CA – A bill aimed at closing legal loopholes related to threats against schools, workplaces, and other critical institutions has passed a key hurdle in the California State Assembly. AB 237, introduced by Assemblymember Darshana Patel (D-San Diego County), has cleared the Assembly Public Safety Committee and now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

The bill, co-sponsored by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, the California District Attorney Association, and the California Police Chiefs Association, seeks to make it illegal to threaten crimes against institutions—even if the threat is not directed at a specific individual. Currently, the law only considers threats criminal if they are deemed credible, specific, and targeted at an individual, leaving institutions such as schools, daycares, medical facilities, and houses of worship unprotected.

Patel emphasized the importance of this legislation in safeguarding communities saying it, “moves us closer to protecting people inside these institutions, those who visit, and everyone who relies on their services,” she said. “While the threats to Shoal Creek Elementary prompted this legislation, we see the need for it statewide.”

The bill was introduced following a case involving Shoal Creek Elementary School in San Diego, which faced multiple threats of a mass shooting. A former Marine combat veteran, 39-year-old Lee Lor, allegedly sent over 350 emails threatening violence against the school. Although Lor is currently in jail and awaiting trial, lawmakers argue that existing laws left gaps in prosecution, prompting the need for legislative action.

Under AB 237, making a public threat to commit a crime at a specific location—whether through an image, statement, or online post—would be a criminal offense, even if there was no intent to carry it out. The proposed penalties include up to one year in county jail or a prison sentence of 16 months, two years, or three years.

If enacted, the bill would provide prosecutors with greater authority to hold individuals accountable for threats against critical institutions and enhance public safety statewide.