It appears our friends in the California State Legislature have decided, yet again, to prioritize changes to our profession. My report this month will not include much commentary. Instead, I draw your attention to many of the bills that may affect our profession and public safety.
For anyone unfamiliar with the legislative process, a bill is essentially a draft for a new law presented to a lawmaking body, like a state legislature. A bill requires debate, a vote, and final approval before it becomes law. Groups like ours have a chance to influence or amend the details and outcomes of these bills during the aforementioned “debate” phase. (You can learn more about this process by scanning the QR code below.)
Much of the DSA’s focus during this legislative cycle will be on amending or defeating the following bills (and some others not listed). Please review these and send us your thoughts and concerns; a simple internet search will bring up bill language as well as any corresponding media coverage.
AB 26 – Ban officers from the profession if the department makes a determination that excessive force was used or that an officer failed to intervene
AB 48 – Places restrictions on the use of non-lethal weapons
AB 89 – Requires a prospective peace officer to hold a B.A. or be 25 years of age to be eligible to become a peace officer
AB 594 – Independent use of orce investigations for deadly UOF encounters
AB 655 – Participation in hate groups or any public expressions of hate are grounds for termination and would disqualify from employment
AB 759 – Changes the election cycle for county sheriffs to the Presidential election cycle
AB 1455 – Extends the statute of limitations for filing civil actions against officers who have committed sexual assault
ACA 2 – Repeal of death penalty
SB 2 – Establishes a biased decertification process and eliminates state-level qualified immunity
SB 16 – Disclosure of unfounded and non-sustained peace officer records
SB 271 – Authorizing civilians to run for sheriff without requiring the candidate have a POST certificate
SB 387 – Peace officers: certification, education, and recruitment
SB 715 – Independent investigations of peace officers
It is important to keep in mind that bills like these are constantly in flux – some will die before they hit the floor, some will be debated and amended, and some will garner momentum and ultimately appear on a ballot. The DSA remains vigilant and committed to advocating on your behalf and to working on strategies to be successful. Please stay tuned; your help will be needed. Thank you!⭑
