About Us

Our Mission

The CCLA exists to defend the civil liberties and personal freedoms guaranteed by the California and U.S. Constitutions. We believe in a society where individuals are free to express themselves, free from government intrusion, and are empowered to participate in shaping the laws that govern their lives.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to:

  • Supporting policy reforms that enhance fundamental human rights.
  • Advocating for effective, equitable legislation.
  • Resisting government overreach that threatens individual freedoms.

We’re a highly collaborative and supportive team, helping advocates learn to navigate the legislative process and make a difference in California politics.

About California Civil Liberties Advocacy

Founded in 2013, the California Civil Liberties Advocacy (CCLA) emerged as a coalition of citizens committed to confronting the systemic injustices and inequalities that plague California and the nation. With the United States maintaining the highest incarceration rates globally, rising police brutality, rampant government surveillance, and widening disparities in social and criminal justice, the need for grassroots activism and informed public policy advocacy has never been more urgent.

The CCLA seeks to empower the voices of ordinary citizens and hold lawmakers accountable for policies that affect civil liberties and fundamental human rights. By directly engaging with the California State Legislature, informing the public on critical issues, and mobilizing grassroots campaigns, the CCLA works tirelessly to defend and expand the personal freedoms of every Californian.

Our Accomplishments

Since its inception, the CCLA has played a vital role in advocating for legislative reforms that promote justice, equity, and transparency. Here are just a few highlights of our efforts:

  1. Regulating Emerging Technologies:

    Supported AB 2320 (2016), which expanded privacy protections by clarifying that the use of drones for stalking, harassment, or invasion of privacy is prohibited under existing laws. This bill ensured that advancements in drone technology did not undermine individual privacy rights, providing a consistent legal framework to safeguard Californians from misuse of this rapidly evolving technology. Unfortunately, the bill failed passage due to contemporary organizations expressing concerns for the rights of drone hobbyists.
  2. Combating Racial Profiling and Discriminatory Policing:
    • Successfully supported AB 953 (2015), known as the Racial and Identity Profiling Act, which was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. This landmark legislation requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report data on police stops, helping to identify and address racial and ethnic disparities in policing practices. The bill created the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board (RIPA), which continues to work on improving policing practices in California.
  3. Protecting Privacy in the Digital Age:
    • Advocated and co-sponsored landmark legislation such as SB 34 (2015) and SB 741 (2015), both of which were signed into law. SB 34 established clear guidelines for the use of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), ensuring greater accountability and transparency in how the data is stored and accessed. SB 741 introduced similar protections for cell phone intercept technology (i.e. “stingray”), requiring public agencies to adopt usage and privacy policies to safeguard Californians’ rights against government overreach. AB 1940 (2016) would have allowed officers to review body-worn camera footage with their lawyer present before submitting official reports or being interrogated by Internal Affairs. The CCLA highlighted concerns about undermining the transparency and accountability goals of body cameras, arguing that this provision could lead to mistrust and potentially manipulated reporting. The bill ultimately failed passage.
  4. Ensuring Fair and Inclusive Housing:
    • Supported AB 686 (2017), which was enacted into law and codified the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) regulation into California state law. This ensured that California maintained its leadership in combating housing discrimination, even as federal protections under the Fair Housing Act were rolled back by the federal administration at the time.
  5. Advancing Transparency in Law Enforcement:
    • Advocated for AB 748 (2017), which was signed into law. The bill requires the timely public release of body camera footage in critical incidents, such as officer-involved shootings. This measure has enhanced transparency, fostering accountability and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
  6. Challenging Discrimination:
    • Endorsed and lobbied for SB 188 (2019), also known as the “CROWN Act,” which was enacted into law. This pivotal legislation prohibits race-based hair discrimination in schools and workplaces, addressing systemic racism tied to grooming policies and ensuring that all Californians are protected against such prejudices.
  7. Addressing Sentencing Inequities:
    • Supported SB 73 (2021), which was signed into law, granting judges discretion to offer probation for certain drug offenses. This measure marked a critical step in dismantling the disproportionate impact of the war on drugs on marginalized communities, promoting restorative justice and equity in sentencing practices.
  8. Advocating for Mental Health Services:
    • Lobbied for AB 2017 (2016), which was enacted into law. The legislation established the College Mental Health Services Program, providing critical mental health resources for community college students across California. This program continues to make mental health services more accessible to young adults, improving overall well-being and student success.
  9. Protecting Children from Abuse:
    • Sponsored SB 360 (2019), which aimed to remove the clergy-penitent privilege exemption in cases involving child abuse. Despite the CCLA’s vigorous advocacy, the bill ultimately failed to pass due to significant opposition from religious institutions, highlighting the difficulty of balancing constitutional protections with the imperative to protect vulnerable populations.
  10. Defending Free Speech and Privacy Rights:
    • Vigorously opposed SB 448 (2015), which sought to impose burdensome reporting requirements on individuals with prior felony convictions, mandating the disclosure of online identifiers to law enforcement, and thus chilling free speech and serving as a slippery slope for eroding free speech for the public at large. The CCLA’s advocacy contributed to significant resistance, and the bill failed to advance in the legislature, preserving critical First Amendment rights and setting a precedent against overreach in government surveillance.
  11. Protecting Immigrant Rights:
    • Aggressively lobbied for the passage of SB 54 (2017), known as the California Values Act, which was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. This landmark legislation limits the use of state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement, protecting the rights and safety of immigrant communities across California. By supporting SB 54, the CCLA reinforced its commitment to fostering inclusive communities and safeguarding immigrant rights.

Join Us

In a republic, the voice of the people is paramount. The CCLA strives to amplify the voices of those who may otherwise go unheard, empowering citizens to petition their government and influence public policy. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or simply signing a letter of support, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that democracy works for all.

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