Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of public safety bills aimed at strengthening protections for sexual assault survivors and college students as allegations of sexual violence at Cornell University draw renewed national attention.

The package includes measures addressing sexually explicit evidence in criminal cases, human trafficking on college campuses, protective orders, restitution for victims, and other public safety issues, his office announced on Wednesday.

The announcement comes as a former Cornell University student alleges in a civil lawsuit that she was drugged and raped by seven then-members of the Chi Phi fraternity in 2024. The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office has reopened its criminal investigation and plans to present evidence to a grand jury, according to CBS News.

No criminal charges had been brought in the case as of Wednesday.

Cornell has said its internal Title IX investigation resulted in sanctions, including the expulsion of two students and suspensions for two others. Two students were found not responsible for sexual misconduct, and another had graduated before sanctions could be imposed, according to the university’s account reported by CBS News.

Sexual Violence on College Campuses in National Spotlight

Newsom’s office did not say the California legislation was a direct response to the Cornell case, but said the bills were signed as allegations of sexual violence on college campuses receive renewed national attention.

Among the measures is Assembly Bill 1845 by Assemblymember Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, which requires California colleges and universities to adopt policies and training addressing human trafficking and improve procedures for identifying and reporting sexual crimes.

The package also includes Senate Bill 1056 by state Sen. Tim Grayson, D-Concord. The law establishes privacy protections for adult victims whose sexually explicit images or recordings are introduced as evidence in certain criminal cases.

The legislation was inspired in part by Denise Huskins Quinn, who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in 2015.

Evidence documenting the assaults was later made available during criminal proceedings, and Huskins Quinn advocated for stronger restrictions on the copying, distribution, and retention of sexually explicit evidence.

“Public safety is about more than statistics — it is about people, families and communities, and making sure the law is there when people need it most,” Newsom said. “This package strengthens protections for victims, gives law enforcement and courts additional tools to address serious crimes, and focuses on prevention where it can make a difference.”

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.