SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A bill to crack down on “hate littering” across California was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday.

Assembly Bill 3024, which was introduced by Asm. Chris Ward (D-San Diego), expands state civil rights protections against the dissemination of materials like flyers or pamphlets contain threatening speech with the intention of intimidating members of a protected class.

Also known as “hate littering,” this practice has become an increasing issue for neighborhoods throughout the Golden State, mirroring a wider nationwide surge in hate crimes based on race, religion or sexual orientation.

With the newly signed law, those targeted by hate littering will be able to seek civil damages from the individual behind the distribution of those materials. These protections go into effect immediately.