Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed SB 584, a bill by State Senator Nell Soto (D – Pomona) to increase security in courthouses and other government buildings.

Specifically, Soto’s measure expands existing misdemeanor trespass laws to prohibit intentionally avoiding the screening and inspection procedures in courthouses as well as other city, county, or state buildings.

"As recent events clearly show, we must give courthouses additional tools for protecting the safety of people working there, people seeking redress, those selected to serve on juries, individuals who go to court to conduct business and even men or women whose presence is required,” Soto said.

Prior to SB 584, there were no laws governing individuals who intentionally avoided submitting to the screening and inspection processes at courthouses and public buildings. Soto’s measure now makes it a misdemeanor to do, punishable by up to a year in county jail.