California drivers may soon contribute to the security expenses of current and former state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, under a $20 million budget provision approved by state lawmakers. The funding, earmarked for the California Highway Patrol (CHP), aims to enhance security services for elected officials and their immediate family members.
The budget tweak, finalized on the last day of California’s legislative session, would draw from the Motor Vehicle Account, which is funded by driver registration fees. This allocation is intended to increase the CHP's authorization for security services, which could extend to Newsom after his term concludes in January 2027. Similar measures could also apply to legislators, judges, and other constitutional officers.
A companion bill, also passed this week, would broaden the CHP’s existing authority to provide security to include immediate family members of current and former elected officials.
The governor's office stated that the increased funding is necessary due to rising threats and political violence against public officials. A spokesperson for Newsom emphasized that security decisions are based on law enforcement threat assessments and that protecting officials facing credible threats is a bipartisan concern. The legislation mandates the CHP to conduct periodic threat assessments, re-evaluating security needs every six months.
However, the measure has faced criticism, particularly regarding its potential application to Newsom as he potentially engages in national political activities. State Senator Roger Niello, a Republican on the senate’s budget committee, expressed concerns about the propriety and constitutionality of using motor vehicle account revenues for such purposes. He argued that such security costs should not be borne by taxpayers funding registration fees, especially given the governor's campaign resources.
Niello also pointed to the financial stability of the Motor Vehicle Account, noting projections of potential insolvency starting in 2028, making it an inopportune time to divert $20 million. California motorists already face some of the nation's highest vehicle registration fees.
The legislation now awaits Governor Newsom’s signature to become law. The provisions for expanded security protection come amid heightened concerns for the safety of public figures, with a spokesperson for Newsom noting that threats against officials are increasingly prevalent.