Capitol Beat – Legislative Issues on PORAC’s Radar
Since Assembly Bill 931 by Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D–San Diego) was first amended to create a new “necessary” standard for the use of deadly force in April 2018, PORAC and the law enforcement community have come together to proactively address the issue in California. The effort this legislative session has included actively opposing AB 392 (Weber’s resurrected AB 931) and drafting and sponsoring SB 230 by Senator Ana Caballero (D–Salinas). This has been a highly complex and dynamic process that has involved numerous meetings with the governor’s office, Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins, Senator Caballero and many other legislators, as well as meetings with the author and sponsors of AB 392, Weber and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). In addition, PORAC has enlisted the guidance of use-of-force experts, lawyers and stakeholders from around the state to develop SB 230, our comprehensive legislation that would minimize use of deadly force in California.
Capitol Beat – The Bills That Don’t Make Headlines
On May 16, both the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees held their suspense hearings where all bills with an annual fiscal impact of $150,000 or more were voted on to determine their fate moving forward. Suspense bills are considered after the governor’s state budget revision has been submitted following the April 15 tax filings so that the committees have a better sense of available revenue. The goal of the committees is to provide sound, responsible and affordable fiscal policy, but there are often more political issues at play when the members cast their votes.
Peace Officers Day at the Capitol
PRESS RELEASE: DR. SHIRLEY WEBER AMENDS AB 392
Peace Officer Day At The Capitol
Capitol Beat – Key Bills Affecting Law Enforcement
Defeating AB 392 and ensuring the success of SB 230 continues to be our top priorities this year. AB 392 (Weber) was heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 9. The bill was debated for more than three hours. Ultimately, and as expected, the bill passed out of committee on a party line vote of 6–2. It now goes to the Assembly Rules Committee. At the time of this writing, SB 230 was not yet heard in Senate Public Safety but, as always, we will keep you apprised as developments occur.
SB 230 Senate Public Safety Committee Hearing
On April 23rd Senate Bill 230, authored by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) and sponsored by PORAC, and a coalition of Law Enforcement Associations made its way out of the Senate Public Safety Committee with a unanimous vote of 7-0. From here, the bill will continue on to Senate Appropriations Committee where an estimated monetary value will be established.
California’s Law Enforcement Community Sends Open Letter in Support of SB 230
When it comes to protecting our communities, we have an opportunity, and more importantly, a moral responsibility to chart a new path forward. An officer’s use of force impacts Californians throughout the state and Americans throughout the country – it is arguably the most important and serious issue under consideration by California’s legislature. It impacts families who have lost loved ones, communities who feel unrest and the officers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.
Capitol Beat – Priority Legislation
Over 2,750 bills have been introduced this year. Of those bills, PORAC is tracking over 215 that potentially have an impact on law enforcement or the safety of the communities we serve. All hands are on deck as we diligently work to pass PORAC’s sponsored bill, SB 230 by Senator Anna Caballero (D–Salinas), and actively oppose AB 392 by Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D–San Diego). Last month’s PORAC LE News highlighted SB 230, which was introduced by law enforcement to proactively address use-of-force policies, guidelines and training.