PORAC Opposes Federal Legislation Implementing New Use of Force Standard for Federal Officers

This month, U.S. Representative Ro Khanna’s  Police Exercising Absolute Care With Everyone Act of 2019 (H.R. 4359), was referred to the House Sub-committee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. On that same date, the Peace Officers Research Association of California’s Board of Directors sent Rep. Khanna a letter outlining PORAC’s opposition.  

Simply put, H.R. 439 would fundamentally alter the long standing use of force standard established by the United States Supreme Court in Connor v. Graham. As PORAC’s letter highlights, this proposed legislation would “criminalize the practice of public safety in our communities.”

You can read the entire letter below:

 

GOVERNOR NEWSOM VETOS BILL PROVIDING EQUAL BENEFITS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICE OFFICERS

On Sunday, Governor Newsom vetoed A.B 346, which would have made minor changes to the states’ workers compensation system.  This minor change would have greatly benefited California school district police officers. Currently, state law provides that most peace officers and firefighters are entitled to a leave of absence without loss of salary when disabled by an on the job injury or illness. However, for a large number of police officers employed by school districts this is simply not the case. 

Assemblyman Jim Cooper

Assemblyman Jim Cooper sought to fix this glaring problem. His bill, which passed unanimously in both the California Assembly and Senate, would have added police officers employed by a school district, county office of education or community college to the list of public employees entitled to a full pay leave of absence if disabled through the course of employment.  

Despite the Governor’s Veto, Assemblyman Cooper is expected to  re-introduce the legislation next session.