CLBC, Legislative Leadership Agree to Pursue Officer Decertification Policy Next Session
SACRAMENTO - After a bill to decertify officers who engage in serious misconduct ran against legislative deadlines Monday, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and leadership in the Senate and Assembly agreed to work to pursue the policy next year.
Chair of the CLBC, Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. (D-San Diego) said she was extremely disappointed that SB 731was not heard on the Assembly floor before the statutory deadline of midnight, August 31. However, CLBC is encouraged by the willingness to revive the policy in SB 731, authored by CLBC member, Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena).
“SB 731 has been the product of an incredible amount of work on the part of the author and sponsors,” Weber said. “However, I know very well that it sometimes takes more than one try to get a challenging bill passed and I am not discouraged. . I want to thank Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate pro Tem Toni Atkins for their commitment to working with the caucus to craft an effective policy during the next legislative session.” Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood). “I am personally in support of SB 731, and I look forward to working with the CLBC and colleagues in the Senate next year to get this legislation into a form that we can send to the Governor and enacted into law.
“I’m appreciative of the support from leadership in both courses for SB 731,” said Senator Steven Bradford, the bill’s author. “This bill is a critical measure to bring forth police accountability and transparency. Thanks for listening to the voices of thousands of diverse Californians demanding change and passage of SB 731.” SB 731 would have put California in alignment with 45 other states which remove the ability of officers to return to police work after being fired or disciplined for serious misconduct.
California Legislative Black Caucus Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Chair Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 319-3868 direct (916) 319-2079 office I (916) 319-2179 fax
