California Assembly Bill AB1299

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/19
• Refer: 3/21/19
• Report Pass: 3/21/19
• Refer: 3/25/19
• Report Pass: 4/25/19
• Refer: 4/25/19
• Report Pass: 5/8/19
• Engrossed: 5/16/19
• Refer: 5/16/19
• Refer: 5/29/19
• Report Pass: 6/19/19
• Refer: 6/19/19
• Report Pass: 7/2/19
• Refer: 7/2/19
• Refer: 9/11/19
• Report Pass: 9/11/19
• Refer: 7/2/20
• Report Pass: 8/1/20
• Refer: 8/1/20
• Report Pass: 8/6/20
• Refer: 8/6/20
• Refer: 8/13/20
• Report Pass: 8/20/20
• Enrolled: 8/31/20
• Vetoed: 9/30/20

Caption

Peace officers: employment.

Impact

The introduction of this bill adds specific responsibilities to law enforcement agencies, requiring them to report to the POST regarding officer terminations and serious allegations promptly. If an officer resigns or retires amid a serious investigation, the agency must document the nature of the investigation and undergo a thorough inquiry into the claims made. As a result, this measure is expected to enhance the scrutiny surrounding peace officer conduct and foster a culture of accountability within law enforcement.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1299, introduced by Assembly Member Salas, focuses on the accountability and transparency of peace officers' employment within law enforcement agencies. The bill mandates that agencies notify the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) when a peace officer is terminated or leaves with a pending serious investigation. This initiative aims to improve the oversight of peace officer conduct and ensure that any serious allegations are documented and accessible.

Sentiment

The sentiment around AB 1299 appears to be generally supportive among proponents of law enforcement reform. Advocates argue that this bill is necessary to establish higher standards for peace officer accountability, especially in an era where community expectations of transparency and accountability are increasing. However, there may be some concerns regarding the administrative burden imposed on law enforcement agencies and how these changes will be implemented in practice.

Contention

Some points of contention include the potential financial impact on local agencies due to the new reporting requirements, which could burden smaller departments. There are discussions on whether the added bureaucratic processes may overshadow the intended benefits of increased transparency and accountability. Opponents may also express concerns that such measures could discourage individuals from pursuing careers in law enforcement due to the fear of being investigated or having their profiles affected by pending allegations.