Last week, two closely watched bills that would affect how law enforcement K-9s are deployed advanced out of the State Assembly and were transmitted to the senate for consideration. Although these bills are separate, they are related in that they are advancing as a package and both would need to become law during the 2023-2024 session to go into effect.
To see a complete list of bills AKC GR is tracking in California and other states, visit the AKC legislative tracker at www.akcgr.org.
Bills impacted by last week’s fiscal committee deadline:
- Assembly Bill 2042 – Law enforcement: police canines.
Status: Passed the Assembly 49-6; transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
Summary: This bill is an amended version of AB 742 from 2023 and would direct the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to develop standards and training guidelines for the use of canines by law enforcement. AKC is working with the author’s office and will continue to monitor the proposal. - Assembly Bill 3241 – Law enforcement: police canines.
Status: Passed the Assembly 66-0; transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
Summary: This bill would increase data reporting requirements for police departments concerning the use of police canines AND require each law enforcement agency that utilizes canines to maintain a policy for the use of canines by the agency that, at a minimum, complies with the guidelines adopted by POST, and would require law enforcement agencies to establish a training regimen that includes a course certified by the commission. AKC is working with the author’s office and will continue to monitor the proposal.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor bills in California impacting dog owners and will provide updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.