California state lawmaker introduces bill to protect street vendors' personal data from ICE
The bill, SB 635, was introduced last week by Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles).
According to Durazo's office, the bill would prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from getting data collected by local governments on street vendors.
Further, the bill would prohibit sidewalk vending permitting programs from even asking about a potential vendor's immigration status.
"Street vendors are pivotal to California's culture and economy, and nationally they have been huge contributors to their communities," Durazo said in a Monday statement about the new bill. "Now more than ever, California must come together to uplift and empower micro businesses across the State."
Across the state, street vendors have been a flashpoint of public policy in recent years. In Sacramento, to try and deal with concerns over illegal food vendors, county leaders are considering licensing rules for such food sellers.
Last year, Los Angeles rescinded a ban on street vendors outside of popular tourist spots in the city. LA city council also voted in 2024 to drastically reduce the annual street vending permit fees.
The bill is co-sponsored by a number of immigrant advocate groups, including Inclusive Action for the City, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, Community Power Collective, and Public Counsel.
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