City Council
[email protected]
April 14, 2026
The Honorable Buffy Wicks
Chair, Assembly Appropriations Committee
1021 O Street, Suite 8220
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: AB 2179 (Patel) Workplace violence: restraining orders. (As Introduced February 19, 2026)
Dear Assemblymember Wicks,
The City of San Marcos respectfully expresses its support of AB 2179 (Patel), allow any party or witness to a petition for a restraining order to appear remotely at a hearing and would prohibit any fee for appearing remotely. The bill would require the court of each county to develop rules and instructions for such remote appearances and post them on its website. The bill would also require courts to allow filings related to such protective orders to be submitted electronically, as specified.
This bill aligns with the city’s current workplace violence prevention efforts and would make it easier for individuals to appear at restraining order hearings and assist employees by making filings easier.
Additionally, this bill would align workplace violence restraining orders to make them conform with how other restraining orders are filed. It is important to provide the same opportunities to file petitions electronically and allow parties and witnesses to appear remotely
The City of San Marcos supports stronger workplace violence protection efforts for its employees and making it easier for them to appear remotely at hearings. The City of San Marcos believes the bill would reduce practical barriers to participation, ensure the court receives the information it needs while minimizing disruption to work and reducing safety risks for parties and witnesses.
For these reasons, the City of San Marcos supports AB 2179 (Patel).
Sincerely,
Rebecca D. Jones
Mayor
cc: League of California Cities