Jewish Caucus Hangs Mezuzahs in State Capitol Following Passage of Mezuzah Bill

Sacramento, CA -- On Monday, August 12, 2019, the first day in Sacramento following Summer Recess, Jewish Caucus members affixed mezuzahs to their office doors in the California State Capitol. Photos are available on the Jewish Caucus website and social media accounts. Over Summer Recess, Governor Newsom signed SB 652 (Allen), the "Mezuzah Bill", into law, which ensures landlords and HOAs can no longer prohibit residents from putting religious items on their doors. The bill was a Jewish Caucus priority bill, co-authored by every member of the caucus.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was the lead sponsor of the bill, after reporting several instances of landlord and HOA discrimination against Jewish residents who wished to fulfill the Jewish commandment of affixing a mezuzah at the entrance of one's home. Senator Ben Allen, Jewish Caucus Chair and lead sponsor of SB 652, worked with the several faith-based organizations, including the Hindu American Foundation, who requested an increase in the minimum size to meet their religious needs.

SB 652 received wide bipartisan support, and passed through the legislature unanimously. It was signed into law by Governor Newsom on July 30.

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