SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — California Assembly Bill (AB) 2464, the Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act, authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), passed two committees this week, both by a strong bipartisan margin. On Monday, the Act passed the Assembly Committee on Public Safety, and on Wednesday, it passed the Assembly’s Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media Committee.
The Act, as amended, would require major-league sports stadiums around the state to post, clearly, the numbers fans can use to call or text message stadium security. Such signs would need to be visible from the stands and in the parking lot.
“Most people I talk to don’t remember a phone number given out at the beginning of a game,” said Gatto. “This simple step will allow fans to report incidents before they become a problem.” Indeed, several of the more high-profile beatings lasted over a span of several minutes, during which frantic fans dialed 911. However, in those instances, it is stadium security (from within the stadium) and not the police (coming from outside the stadium) who are best equipped to quickly respond and prevent a violent act from becoming serious.
With broad bipartisan support, the Act now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration. “It has become apparent that we need to take steps to protect everyday Californians trying to peacefully enjoy a professional game,” said Gatto, “This bill is a simple, common-sense, and preventative solution.”
Mike Gatto is the Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly. He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, and Van Nuys.
