Picketing at an individual residence.

Senator Arreguín's residential picketing legislation establishes new restrictions on protest activities near private homes in California, creating misdemeanor penalties for targeted demonstrations within 300 feet of residential dwellings. The measure defines "targeted picketing" as protest activity intentionally directed at a specific residence, whether stationary or following a route around the property.

The bill creates two distinct enforcement mechanisms. The primary provision prohibits targeted picketing within 300 feet of residences, while a secondary provision activates only if courts suspend the first, prohibiting picketing that proceeds on a defined route in front of specific homes. Both violations constitute misdemeanors carrying fines up to $1,000 per incident. The legislation explicitly exempts general neighborhood marches and residential area protests not focused on particular dwellings.

Residents affected by prohibited picketing activities may pursue private legal action against violators under the measure. Courts can award damages, attorney's fees, and additional civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation to prevailing plaintiffs. The bill requires local law enforcement agencies to implement these new restrictions without state reimbursement, as the provisions relate to criminal law modifications falling under existing constitutional exemptions for mandate funding.