Bill Text: CA SB480 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session | Amended

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: Law enforcement uniforms.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2020-09-30 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 336, Statutes of 2020. [SB480 Detail]

Download: California-2019-SB480-Amended.html

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Amended  IN  Assembly  August 10, 2020

Amended  IN  Assembly  July 27, 2020

Amended  IN  Senate  January 14, 2020

Amended  IN  Senate  January 09, 2020

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Bill

No. 480

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Introduced by Senator Archuleta

February 21, 2019

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An act to add Section 13655 to the Penal Code, relating to law enforcement uniforms.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SB 480, as amended, Archuleta. Law enforcement uniforms.

Existing law prohibits the wearing of a military uniform, as specified, by any person not authorized to wear that uniform.

This bill would prohibit, with certain exceptions, a law enforcement agency from authorizing or allowing its employees to wear a uniform that is made from a camouflage printed or patterned material or a uniform that is substantially similar, as described, to a uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Forces or state active militia.

Digest Key

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

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Bill Text

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

SECTION 1.

 Section 13655 is added to the Penal Code, to read:

13655.

 (a) A department or agency that employees employs peace officers shall not authorize or allow its employees to wear a uniform that is substantially similar to any uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Forces or state active militia.

(b) A department or agency that employs peace officers shall not authorize or allow its employees to wear a uniform that is made from a camouflage printed or patterned material.

(b)

(c) For purposes of this section, a subdivision (a), a uniform is “substantially similar” if it so resembles an official uniform of the United States Armed Forces or state active militia as to cause an ordinary reasonable person to believe that the person wearing the uniform is a member of the United States Armed Forces or state active militia. A uniform shall not be deemed to be substantially similar to a uniform of the United States Armed Forces or state active militia if it includes at least two of the following three components: a badge or star or facsimile thereof mounted on the chest area, a patch on one or both sleeves displaying the insignia of the employing agency or entity, and the word “Police” or “Sheriff” prominently displayed across the back or chest area of the uniform.

(c)

(d) This section applies to personnel who are assigned to uniformed patrol, uniformed crime suppression, or uniformed duty at an event or disturbance. disturbance, including any personnel that respond to assist at a protest, demonstration, or similar disturbance. It does not apply to members of a swat Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, sniper team, or tactical team engaged in a tactical response or operation.