Bill Text: CA AB2504 | 2017-2018 | Regular Session | Chaptered

California Assembly Bill 2504 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Peace officer training: sexual orientation and gender identity.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2018-09-30 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 969, Statutes of 2018. [AB2504 Detail]

Download: California-2017-AB2504-Chaptered.html

Assembly Bill No. 2504

CHAPTER 969

An act to add Section 13519.41 to the Penal Code, relating to peace officer training.

[ Approved by Governor September 30, 2018. Filed with Secretary of State September 30, 2018. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 2504, Low. Peace officer training: sexual orientation and gender identity.

Existing law requires specified categories of law enforcement officers to meet training standards pursuant to courses of training certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Existing law requires the commission to develop and disseminate guidelines and training for all peace officers in California, as specified, who adhere to the standards approved by the commission, on the racial and cultural differences among the residents of this state.

Existing law also requires the commission to adopt rules establishing minimum standards relating to the recruitment and training of local public safety dispatchers having a primary responsibility for providing dispatching services for local law enforcement agencies.

This bill would require the commission to develop and implement a course of training regarding sexual orientation and gender identity minority groups in this state. The bill would require the course to be incorporated into the course or courses of basic training for law enforcement officers and dispatchers and would require the course or courses to include specified topics, including the terminology used to identify and describe sexual orientation and gender identity and how to create an inclusive workplace within law enforcement for sexual orientation and gender identity minorities. The bill would authorize law enforcement officers, administrators, executives, and dispatchers to participate in supplementary training that includes the topics, as specified, in that course of training.

Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 13519.41 is added to the Penal Code, immediately following Section 13519.4, to read:

13519.41.

(a) The commission shall develop and implement a course of training regarding sexual orientation and gender identity minority groups in this state. In developing the training, the commission shall consult with sexual orientation and gender identity minority members of law enforcement and the community who have expertise in the area of sexual orientation and gender identity, including at least one male, one female, and one transgender person.

(b) The course of training for officers and dispatchers described in subdivision (a) shall be incorporated into the course or courses of basic training for law enforcement officers and dispatchers and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) The difference between sexual orientation and gender identity and how these two aspects of identity relate to each other and to race, culture, and religion.

(2) The terminology used to identify and describe sexual orientation and gender identity.

(3) How to create an inclusive workplace within law enforcement for sexual orientation and gender identity minorities.

(4) Important moments in history related to sexual orientation and gender identity minorities and law enforcement.

(5) How law enforcement can respond effectively to domestic violence and hate crimes involving sexual orientation and gender identity minorities.

(c) Law enforcement officers, administrators, executives, and dispatchers may participate in supplementary training that includes all of the topics described in this section. The supplementary training shall fulfill the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements for continuing professional training and shall include facilitated discussions and learning activities, including scenario training exercises. Additional training courses to update this instruction shall be established as deemed necessary by the commission.