California Lawmakers Approve $20 Million in Motor Vehicle Funds for Security of Current and Former Officials
California lawmakers have approved a measure to allocate $20 million from the state's motor vehicle account to fund personal security details for current and former state elected officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, and their families. This funding, which would provide California Highway Patrol officers based on threat assessments, was included as a line item in a 300-page spending bill. The decision comes amidst rising concerns about threats and political violence against public officials. A spokesman for the governor's office, Brandon Richards, stated that protecting officials facing credible threats is a bipartisan notion and security decisions are based on law enforcement threat assessments. The funding source, the state's motor vehicle account, is primarily supported by driver registration fees. The plan was first reported by KCRA 3. 
