SB 627, the mask bill, has officially been signed into law by Governor Newsom.
This bill represents a dangerous attack on California’s local peace officers by creating immunity exceptions when unauthorized mask use is involved.
Until just 2 weeks ago this bill did not include the immunity exceptions. Since then, PORAC did everything imaginable to fight this bill. We have been working around the clock with our state law enforcement partners to get the bill killed through a robust veto plan. However, in true California political fashion, logic did not prevail. Facts did not prevail.
I want to acknowledge that this was an incredibly difficult, uphill battle. As you know, conversations this year around immigration enforcement have been emotionally charged in this highly politicized environment. People are acting out of fear, and understandably so, but this is causing irrational and haphazard decision-making that is putting public safety at risk. It is exactly for situations like this why we stress that it is so important for local associations to have relationships with their elected officials.
PORAC’s fight against this bill is far from over. We will push back with everything we have because this bill is not just bad policy – it sets a dangerous precedent and will negatively impact our recruitment and retention of good officers.
I spoke to the Governor last night and told him that PORAC will be fixing this either via legislation or through the courts.
PORAC’s next steps in the fight:
- We will run legislation next session to fix this sloppy and misguided law.
- We will work closely with the legislature next session to remedy this bill and find commonsense solutions that actually benefit Californians, rather than make empty promises for political gain.
- We will highlight the political hypocrisy and lies to California’s communities.
- We will make sure that when this bill backfires, voters will know who to blame.
PORAC is unwavering in championing the rights and safety of our peace officers. This will be a long fight ahead, but we are ready for it. I refuse to let peace officers be a sacrifice in a fight between our state and federal government that does not involve us.
Brian R. Marvel
President