Bill Lockyer...On the Record for Civil Rights

By Bill Lockyer

Please visit my website at http://www.Lockyer2002.com

An active participant in the civil rights movement of the 1960's, Lockyer has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the principle of equal protection under the law over his three decades of public service. As a legislator, Lockyer wrote and supported hundreds of laws to expand and improve civil rights protections for Californians. In 1977, then-Assemblyman Lockyer undertook a comprehensive reform of California's Fair Employment Practices Act to bolster civil rights protections by restructuring the commission, permitting a class action to be filed with the FEPC, and authorizing the State itself to initiate complaints regarding discrimination. Lockyer authored SB 716 in 1987, which made void any provision in any deed or written instrument that would forbid, restrict, or condition the right of any person to sell, rent, lease, use, or occupy property because of race or color.

Fighting for Stronger Laws

As Attorney General, Lockyer has sponsored legislation to put teeth into California civil rights laws. AB 587 (Firebaugh) authorizes law enforcement agencies to prosecute violators and seek civil penalties up to $25,000. SB 1194 (Romero) gives state and local prosecutors additional tools to punish those who commit consumer fraud and engage in the unauthorized practice of law by scam artists masquerading as immigration lawyers and charging exorbitant fees.

Delivering on Enforcement

Immediately after his election, Attorney General Lockyer reestablished the Civil Rights Enforcement Section in his office and he fought for and won the funding necessary to make the unit of the largest, most aggressive in the country. The section continues to enforce state civil rights laws as well as prevent discrimination in housing and employment through vigorous prosecution of law breakers.

Lockyer established an Office of Immigrant Assistance to provide education and outreach for California's immigrant communities and victims of consumer fraud schemes and discrimination. The office has conducted numerous training seminars and runs a toll-free phone line for immigrant victims.

Advocating for Equal Opportunity

As a Senator, Lockyer was an outspoken opponent of Proposition 209 and contributed $50,000 to the campaign to defeat the initiative. Since California's voters approved the initiative, Lockyer has strongly advocated for expanded policies and programs to increase outreach for underrepresented communities.

Taking a Stand Against Hate

In 1991, Senator Lockyer wrote the first felony hate crime law in the nation, a model for legislation subsequently enacted around the country. Under the terms of the bill, additional prison time is imposed upon any person convicted of committing a felony because of the victim's race, color, nationality, religion, country of origin, ancestry, or disability. Soon after assuming office as Attorney General, Lockyer established a Hate Crimes Task Force to develop strategies for preventing and addressing instances of hate violence in California. The Task Force's recommendations, which also sought to improve hate crime reporting by law enforcement agencies and schools, have been distributed statewide. After the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C. on September 11, Attorney General Lockyer rallied local law enforcement and other community leaders to speak out against senseless acts of violence and hate directed at Muslim Americans, Sikh Americans and other ethnic minorities.

Farm Workers' Rights

As Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee from 1975-80, Lockyer played an integral role in writing the landmark Agricultural Labor Relations Act and assisted in negotiations which produced essential farm worker protections. He wrote important follow up legislation which required farm labor contractors to provide the ALRB with lists of employees and pay farm workers at least bi-weekly instead of once a month.