As we approach the end of 2024, I’m proud to reflect on PORAC’s many accomplishments this year. Our unwavering commitment to unity, accountability and transparency has solidified PORAC’s role as the preeminent voice for rank-and-file officers in California. Through principled advocacy and collaboration, we advanced critical protections for peace officers and enhanced public safety for all — not only in California but also nationally.
State Advocacy
Our legislative accomplishments this session have been particularly noteworthy. Working alongside our dedicated state lobbying team, namely Randy Perry at Aaron Read & Associates, we successfully opposed over 86% of the bills we took a stance against. This means defeating or securing amendments on bills that could have hampered our ability to serve our communities effectively. We stopped dangerous legislation like AB 93, which would have prohibited consent-based vehicle and personal searches (tinyurl.com/eua7m24f); AB 742, which sought to ban K-9 units for arrests and apprehensions (tinyurl.com/k6fn9fwu); and SB 94, which would have allowed certain LWOP inmates to petition for release (tinyurl.com/4xh8y43v).
Just as importantly, we supported the passage of crucial bills that strengthen public safety and officer protections: AB 33 established a vital Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force (tinyurl.com/3bmwy66z); AB 88 now requires courts to hold resentencing hearings at victims’ request (tinyurl.com/yc86jr6n); and SB 14 designates human trafficking of minors as a serious felony (tinyurl.com/47z5byz9). These victories demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategic advocacy approach, which combines coalition building, targeted outreach and direct lobbying.
Federal Advocacy
On the federal level, the West Coast Law Enforcement Coalition has emerged as an increasingly influential voice in congressional law enforcement policy discussions. Representing agencies from California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii and Alaska, we’ve brought a unique perspective shaped by our experience operating in states that often lead the way in policing initiatives. Our non-partisan, policy-focused approach has established us as a trusted voice on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers particularly value our practical, solutions-oriented perspective that prioritizes effective policy over headlines. We’re excited to report that the Coalition’s influence continues to grow, with potential expansion discussions underway with Nevada, Arizona and Idaho for 2025.
Landmark Congressional Victory
I’m thrilled to share that the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 327–72 (tinyurl.com/ye26ukrx). This historic legislation, which PORAC has championed for years, will finally repeal the unfair Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) that have denied rightful Social Security benefits to millions of public servants, including many of our members. The Senate is expected to follow suit, culminating in a long-overdue victory for law enforcement and other public employees nationwide.
Research
In addition to our advocacy efforts, PORAC significantly expanded its research initiatives this year. Our annual rebuttal reports on RIPA provide critical data-driven counterpoints to the RIPA Board’s faulty narrative. We also released quarterly research briefs on urgent public safety issues, including a comprehensive timeline showing California’s violent crime trends from 1985 to 2021 (tinyurl.com/2ppf5f32), a report on how chronic staffing shortages are threatening public safety (tinyurl.com/4my6jkja) and a brief outlining the essential roles of SROs in creating secure school environments (tinyurl.com/5y4be5nm). This groundbreaking research has provided valuable insights for policymakers and positioned PORAC as a subject-matter expert with the media.
Fund a Hero Program
PORAC’s Fund a Hero program continues to demonstrate the power of our unity, having raised over $5.9 million for members and their families since its 2019 launch. This platform, built by our members for our members, stands as a testament to our commitment to supporting each other in times of need.
Election Recap
The November election results significantly shifted the landscape for 2025 and beyond. In a major victory for public safety, Nathan Hochman unseated incumbent Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon with more than 61% of the vote. PORAC was actively involved in this campaign, and this change in leadership promises a renewed focus on public safety in Los Angeles and Southern California more broadly. We also saw historic success with Proposition 36, which received over 70% support statewide and won in every county — sending a clear message to Sacramento that Californians reject soft-on-crime policies.
Looking at the State Legislature, while some races are still too close to call, we’re proud to report that PORAC-endorsed candidates won 89% of our targeted Assembly and Senate races. California made history as more women were elected to the legislature than ever before, with potentially up to 60 women serving in both houses for the 2025–26 legislative session — representing half of the 120 legislative seats.
Positioning PORAC for the Future
In 2025, we plan to capitalize on our success from this year. We’ll continue our strategic vision of strengthening our advocacy efforts, expanding member benefits and fostering professional development to ensure PORAC remains the leading voice of law enforcement. With the guidance and leadership of our Board of Directors, we’ve assembled a team of top advisors and consultants dedicated to serving you, our members. Every decision is made with our members’ best interests in mind.
This team is focused on maximizing the value of PORAC membership — ensuring that we deliver the highest quality benefits and resources at the lowest possible price point. You can rest assured that every decision we make is made with you in mind and with the goal of providing unmatched support and value to our members. We are working on your behalf day in and day out to protect and elevate the law enforcement profession.
I want to close by expressing my profound gratitude for your continued trust and dedication to PORAC. Leading this prestigious organization remains one of my greatest honors, and I am as committed today as I was on my first day. True dedication means more than just showing up — it means putting in the hard work, embracing every challenge, and relentlessly pursuing ways to improve PORAC. Together, we’re making strides that protect our values and strengthen our impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you and promise to keep striving for a stronger, more resilient PORAC that always has your back.