‘Victory belongs to the street vendors’: Newsom signs Street Vendor Protection Act into law

(FOX40.COM) —  María Elena Durazo, a Democratic Member of the California State Senate, announced on Wednesday afternoon that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 635, the “Street Vendor Protection Act,” into law on Tuesday.
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According to Durazo, the legislation protects street vendors’ sensitive personal information that gets collected during the local permitting process from being accessed by federal immigration enforcement agencies.

With SB 635 passing, Durazo said it provides critical safeguards for immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners across California.

“Street vendors are a cornerstone of our communities and contribute significantly to California’s vibrant culture and economy,” Durazo said. “SB 635 ensures that these hardworking entrepreneurs can operate their businesses without fear that their personal information will be turned over to immigration authorities. This law affirms California’s commitment to protect immigrant families, support small business owners, and ensure that our limited state and local resources are not used for federal immigration enforcement.”

SB 635 was co-sponsored by Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Community Power Collective, Inclusive Action for the City, Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, and Public Counsel, with backing from over 60 organizations, including the California Federation of Labor, ACLU California Action, and multiple city governments.

CHIRLA released a statement applauding Newsom for signing SB 635 into law.

“CHIRLA applauds Governor Newsom for signing SB 635 into law and thanks Senator María Elena Durazo for her steadfast leadership in being a champion for California’s street vendors,” Angelica Salas, Executive Director of CHIRLA, said. “Street vendors are immigrant workers, parents, and small-business owners who contribute every day to the life and culture of our communities. With this bill, California takes an important step toward fairness, privacy protection, safety, and economic opportunity for countless entrepreneurial families who seek to work with dignity and without fear.”

Durazo said SB 635 will take effect starting Jan 1, with local jurisdiction being required to implement policies ensuring compliance with the new data protection requirements.

“This victory belongs to the street vendors who courageously spoke up and demanded protection,” Durazo said. “California is stronger when we support all workers and ensure that everyone can contribute to our economy without fear.”