Gallagher voices outrage over ‘sanctuar y state’ bill

As the “sanctuary state” bill moved a step closer to a floor vote, Assemblyman James Gallagher did not mince words in his criticism of the legislation or the bill’s author.

“Senate Bill 54 is outright dangerous,” said Gallagher in a press release. “It seems to me that the author of this bill cares more about scoring political points with his antiTrump cronies than he does protecting the lives of innocent Californians like Kate Steinle.”

Steinle was shot to death in 2015 in San Francisco by an illegal immigrant and has become a symbol of the anti-sanctuary movement.

Senate Bill 54, titled the California Values Act, was introduced by state Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon, a Democrat from Los Angeles.

SB 54 passed through the Assembly Judiciary Committee 8-3 on Wednesday, with no Republican members voting for the bill.

Gallagher, vocal throughout the hearing, served as a last-minute substitution for fellow Republican Jordan Cunningham of Templeton.

Gallagher argued in his press release the legislation would grant felons and violent criminals safe harbor in California.

SB 54 has passed through three committees and a Senate floor vote with no Republican support.

According to Katja Townsend, capitol director for Gallagher’s office, the legislation moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The deadline to hear the bill is Sep. 1.

Gallagher, who serves on the committee, will be accompanied by four Republicans. The committee is made up of 12 Democrats and five Republicans.