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URGENT Action Needed!

ASK YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER TO VOTE “NO” ON SB 131!

This harmful, controversial and unfair bill could be voted on in the

California Assembly at any time.

1. Victims who were abused by teachers or other public school workers are not covered by the bill. Public schools cannot be sued for any abuse that took place before 2009.
2. SB 131 protects the actual abuser from being sued. The proposed law only applies to private or non-profit organizations like private schools, the YMCA or the Church. It does not apply to public schools, other public agencies or even to the abuser.
3. SB 131 does nothing to increase criminal penalties against the actual abuser and provides no increase in the criminal statute of limitations that would give victims more time to get the justice they deserve.
4. SB 131 ONLY harms private and non-profit organizations. The bill lets lawyers sue private schools, the Catholic Church, the YMCA and other non-profit organizations for claims where the statute of limitations may have expired 30, 40 or even 50 years ago—but not public schools, other government agencies or the actual abuser.
5. It’s a step backward. In 2008, the Legislature passed SB 640 (Simitian) that leveled the playing field and eliminated discrimination against public sector victims. That’s why abuse claims since 2009 are covered in public schools.
6. SB 131 creates two classes of victims and two classes of justice. You’re covered if you and your family could afford private schools and expensive club sports, but if you went to public school, or played in city rec leagues or had public day care, SB 131 provides you nothing. It only allows suits to go forward against organizations that appear well heeled or well insured—and never against the perpetrator himself.

Please add your voice in opposing this bill, along with the California Catholic Conference, La Raza Roundtable de California, the YMCA/YWCA, the California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO), the California Council of Nonprofit Organizations, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) and a growing list of community groups, religious organizations and private schools.

Go to www.cacatholic.org and click “Take Action” to write your Assembly Member!