Sacramento, CA – At the close of the California legislative session, a number of public safety reform bills passed and are headed to the governor’s desk for signature, including AB 1506 (McCarty), AB 846 (Irwin/Burke) and AB 1196 (Gipson). Other reform measures were poised to pass but simply did not have the time to be heard before session adjourned, such as SB 776 (Skinner).

“With over two dozen public safety bills introduced in this shortened legislative session due to COVID-19, we look forward to working with our elected leaders to ensure these issues are well researched and properly vetted as we head into the 2021 session,” said Brian Marvel, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California. “PORAC remains committed to working with our legislators to develop and champion new policies that will raise recruitment standards, improve transparency and place officers in a better position to serve our communities.”

Yesterday, SB 731 (Bradford) was unable to demonstrate that it had sufficient support in the legislature to carry the day, preventing the bill from advancing prior to the adjournment of this legislative session.

“We absolutely support creating a licensing protocol that is fair, balanced and protects due process to ensure we have only the best working as officers in California,” said Marvel. “However, SB 731 reached far beyond the police licensing process and included policies that would potentially penalize even the most respectful officers for placing themselves in harm’s way to keep our families safe.”

 SB 731 (Bradford):

·       Sought to remove qualified immunity protection for all public employees and employers, a legal protection afforded to all public servants that is designed to protect the innocent – all but the plainly incompetent or those who knowingly violate the law. Because of its far-reaching and unknown impacts, city and county governments have also voiced opposition to this proposal.

·       Would have established a new oversight commission of members whose qualifications are inherently based on negative encounters with peace officers — vesting the Board with complete investigatory authority to overturn local agency and District Attorney recommendations and discipline.

While no legislative or policy solution will, on its own, restore public trust in law enforcement, we know from our experience here in California that enacting legislation to modernize law enforcement is achievable, but it requires genuine listening, collaboration and a willingness to walk in each other’s shoes. California law enforcement remains committed to delivering proactive, meaningful reforms to the practice of community policing and has put forward our recommendations in the comprehensive PORAC Policy Platform.