2025 Q4 Legislative Action Summary
Bel
ow is a summary of the actions that were taken during 2025 Q4 in alignment with the City of Santa Clara’s 2025 Legislative Advocacy Positions (LAPs), guiding principles for legislative advocacy, approved City policies (e.g., City Council Goals and Priorities), and/or Council action.
Pu
blic Safety LAP
• October 7, 2025 Request for signature letter for SB 258 (Wahab) – Crimes:
Rape submitted to California Governor Gavin Newsome
• October 7, 2025 Request for signature letter for SB 701 (Wahab) – Signal jammers submitted to California Governor Gavin Newsome
1500 Warburton Avenue ● Santa Clara, CA 95050 ● Phone: 408-615-2200 ● Fax: 408-241-6771 ● SantaClaraCA.gov Lisa M. Gillmor
Mayor
October 7, 2025
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 258 (Wahab): Crimes: Rape
City of Santa Clara – Request for Signature
Dear Governor Newsom:
On behalf of the City of Santa Clara, I write to respectfully ask for your signature on SB 258 (Wahab), which expands the circumstances under which sexual intercourse with a spouse is rape, to include where a spouse is incapable of giving “legal consent” due to a mental disorder or developmental or physical disability.
Currently, California law defines rape as an act of sexual intercourse accomplished under specific circumstances, including situations where the victim is incapable of giving legal consent due to a mental disorder or developmental or physical disability. However, this definition excludes instances where the perpetrator is the spouse of the victim. SB 258 rectifies this inconsistency by eliminating the spousal exception, thereby ensuring that all individuals, regardless of marital status, are afforded equal protection under the law.
The City of Santa Clara supports legislation that aims to assist vulnerable populations. By removing outdated legal distinctions that differentiate between married and unmarried individuals in cases of sexual assault, SB 258 reinforces the principle that consent must be respected in all relationships, including marriage, and that all victims deserve justice.
For these reasons, the City of Santa Clara respectfully asks for your signature on SB 258 (Wahab).
Sincerely,
Lisa M. Gillmor
Mayor
City of Santa Clara
City of
Santa Clara
The Center of Wh~t's Possible
1500 Warburton Avenue ● Santa Clara, CA 95050 ● Phone: 408-615-2200 ● Fax: 408-241-6771 ● SantaClaraCA.gov Lisa M. Gillmor
Mayor
October 7, 2025
Governor Gavin Newsom
California State Capitol
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Senate Bill 701 (Wahab): Signal jammers
City of Santa Clara – Request for Signature
Dear Governor Newsom:
I write on behalf of the City of Santa Clara to respectfully request your signature on SB 701 (Wahab), which aims to strengthen California’s response to the illegal use of signal jammers by creating new penalties for their manufacture, importation, marketing, sale, and operation.
Bay Area cities have seen an increasing amount of signal jammers used to disrupt emergency signals or to commit thievery and other crimes. The illegal use of signal jammers poses a significant threat by disrupting public safety communications, hindering emergency response efforts, and enabling criminal activity. These devices have been used to block law enforcement radios, interfere with emergency calls, and prevent victims from contacting first responders. Such actions put the safety of our residents and first responders at risk.
The City of Santa Clara supports legislation that enhances public safety professionals’ ability to respond to all types of emergencies and communicate within and across jurisdictions. SB 701 will enable California to take crucial measures to safeguard critical emergency response systems and prevent the misuse of these hazardous devices. Additionally, SB 701 provides much- needed enforcement tools by establishing clear penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for those who unlawfully use signal jammers, particularly when used in conjunction with criminal activities or to obstruct public safety communications.
For these reasons, the City of Santa Clara respectfully request your signature on SB 701 (Wahab).
Sincerely,
Lisa M. Gillmor
Mayor
City of Santa Clara
City of
Santa Clara
The Center of Wh~t's Possible