Plain English Breakdown
The official text contains some formatting errors (repeated words like 'that employs' and split lines) but the meaning regarding agency-issued firearms is clear.
AB-1489: Peace Officer Alcohol and Firearm Rules
This law requires police agencies to create a rule that stops officers from carrying their issued guns if they have any alcohol in their blood, with one exception for undercover work.
What This Bill Does
- Requires law enforcement agencies that issue firearms to peace officers to adopt a policy prohibiting those officers from carrying the agency-issued firearm when their blood alcohol concentration is greater than 0.00%.
- Applies this rule whether the officer is on duty or off duty, unless the officer is on duty and engaged in an undercover assignment.
- Establishes that if the Commission on State Mandates determines there are state-mandated costs for local agencies to follow this law, reimbursement will be made according to existing statutory procedures.
Who It Names or Affects
- Peace officers employed by law enforcement agencies
- Law enforcement agencies that issue firearms to their employees
Terms To Know
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- A measurement of how much alcohol is in a person's blood.
- Undercover assignment
- Work where an officer hides their identity to gather information or make arrests while on duty.
Limits and Unknowns
- The text does not list specific punishments for officers who break this rule.
- Reimbursement is only required if the Commission on State Mandates determines that costs are mandated by the state; it is unclear what those final costs will be or when they might occur.
- The official effective date of when this law starts is not listed in the provided information.