Emergency services: human trafficking.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jesse Gabriel

Creates a formal OES-led framework to coordinate safety at four mega events, integrating anti-trafficking measures and victim support with MOUs with host jurisdictions.

From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

#emergencyservices #humantrafficking

Purpose / Intent

AB 549 directs the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) to coordinate planning, resourcing, management, and delivery of safety and security related to specified “mega sporting events” and their official watch parties, with an express focus on measures to reduce risks such as human trafficking, discrimination, and other public-safety issues that accompany large national-level sporting events.

What the bill would do (key provisions)

Adds Article 6.6 (Sections 8594.20–8594.21) to the Government Code establishing a mega-event planning role for OES.

Defines “mega sporting events” to mean:

2026 FIFA World Cup games,
Super Bowl LXI (2027),
2028 Summer Olympic Games, and
2028 Paralympic Games.

Requires OES, in collaboration with host cities, counties, host committees, and partners, to prepare for safety and security at the events and official watch parties.

Requires OES to consider:

Its Large Stadium Initiative and experience with federal National Special Security Event (NSSE) planning.
Strategies to increase safety and reduce risks including:
Human trafficking prevention and response measures, specifically urging businesses to monitor supply chains; posting DOJ hotline notices (per Civil Code §52.6); hotel staff training to recognize and report trafficking; law enforcement collaboration in high‑risk areas; and connecting victims to services.
Addressing racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.
Any other safety issues arising at national-level sporting events.

Timing requirement: OES must enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with host cities/counties at least:

Six months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and
One year before each of Super Bowl LXI 2027, the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the 2028 Paralympics.

Who is affected

Core: Office of Emergency Services (new planning role)

Local governments: host cities and counties (required MOU and implementation duties) — the bill creates a state‑mandated local program

Host committees, event partners, law enforcement agencies, hotels, event‑related businesses, and service providers for trafficking victims

Victims and the public through enhanced outreach, training, and resource connections

Fiscal / procedural notes

Fiscal committee review required; no appropriations clause.

The bill contains a state‑mandated local program; if the Commission on State Mandates finds costs are mandated, reimbursement shall be made pursuant to Government Code provisions (Part 7, commencing with §17500 of Div. 4, Title 2).

Legislative action highlights:

Introduced 02/11/2025; read and amended in April 2025.
Referred to Appropriations and other committees; set for first hearing and then held under submission (05/23/2025).

Practical impact

AB 549 formalizes statewide coordination for mega-event safety in California, embedding anti‑trafficking prevention and victim‑support measures into emergency planning for four major upcoming international sporting events and imposing collaborative obligations on local host jurisdictions through MOUs.

Bill