A California state senator introduced a state bill to increase prison sentences for various violent crimes committed in schools and places of worship.
The bill, SB699, would create two sentencing enhancements for various felony offenses committed or attempted on school property or at churches, mosques, synagogues and the like.
"Schools and places of worship are fundamental elements of our communities and must be safe spaces for all those who use their services," said Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, D-Stockton, in a press release Thursday.
The bill would add two, three or four additional years of imprisonment for manslaughter, mutilation, kidnapping, robbery, auto theft and rape, among other crimes.
I would also add a 10-year enhancement for murder in a school or place of worship.
The bill is named the Alycia "LaLa" Reynaga Act in honor of the 15-year-old victim of a fatal stabbing on the campus of Stagg High School in Stockton, San Joaquin County.
Reynaga died after Anthony Gray, 52, allegedly drove to the school on April 18, exited his vehicle and began stabbing her with a knife.
Shortly thereafter, San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar contacted Eggman about introducing new legislation to add additional jail time for such attacks, spokeswoman Elisa Bubak said.
"The egregious acts of violence on school campuses and places of worship deserve additional consequences," Salazar said. "SB 699 is one way California can lead the nation in reform, protecting those who seek an education and those who wish to participate in religious gatherings."
The bill is actually a June 1 amendment to an existing piece of legislation by Eggman, also called SB699, that was stalled in the state Senate Education Committee.
The new version completely replaces the language of the previous bill and could get a hearing in the Assembly sometime this month.
SB699 is also sponsored by Senator Dave Min, D-Irvine, Assemblyman Carlos Villapudua, D-Stockton and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, D-Laguna Beach.
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