Relating to: decertification of law enforcement, jail, or juvenile detention officers and tactical emergency medical services professionals and the use of force by law enforcement officers. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Margaret Arney and 8 co-sponsors

Summary of AB 738 OverviewBill Number: AB 738 Title: Relating to: decertification of law enforcement, jail, or juvenile detention officers and tactical emergency medical services

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1

Overview

Bill Number: AB 738
Title: Relating to: decertification of law enforcement, jail, or juvenile detention officers and tactical emergency medical services professionals and the use of force by law enforcement officers.
Status: Read first time and referred to Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Introduced: February 18, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of AB 738 is to establish a process for the decertification of law enforcement, jail, and juvenile detention officers, as well as tactical emergency medical services (TEMS) professionals, who engage in misconduct. Additionally, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines and restrictions on the use of force by law enforcement officers.

Key Provisions

Requires the creation of a statewide certification program for law enforcement, jail, and juvenile detention officers, as well as TEMS professionals

Establishes a process for the decertification of these professionals for specified acts of misconduct, including the use of excessive force, sexual assault, and other serious offenses

Mandates the development of a publicly accessible database of decertified individuals to prevent them from being hired in other jurisdictions

Prohibits the use of chokeholds, carotid restraints, and other neck restraints by law enforcement officers, except in situations where deadly force is justified

Requires law enforcement agencies to adopt use-of-force policies that prioritize de-escalation and the sanctity of human life

Affected Parties and Impacts

Law enforcement, jail, and juvenile detention officers, as well as TEMS professionals, who could face decertification for misconduct

Law enforcement agencies, which would be required to implement new use-of-force policies and procedures

The general public, who may benefit from increased accountability and transparency in law enforcement and improved use-of-force practices

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

AB 738 has been introduced in the state legislature and has been referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety for further consideration. If the bill passes the committee, it will then move to the full legislative body for a vote. If passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, the provisions of the bill would take effect on a specified date, likely within a year of enactment.