Senate Leader Atkins and Senator Bradford: Work on Critical Police Reform Legislation to Continue Next Year

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) released the following statement today regarding efforts to continue pursuing legislation that would restrict officers from returning to duty after being fired or disciplined for serious misconduct:

“Two things are true regarding SB 731: cops guilty of misconduct should be held accountable, and good bills sometimes hit unnecessary roadblocks. This year’s constitutional deadline for the bill has passed, but the Senate’s commitment to improving public safety and protecting our communities, particularly communities of color who face such disproportionate impact, remains strong.  As we did with AB 392, the Senate will work with Assemblymember Shirley Weber and the California Legislative Black Caucus, and all stakeholders to carry the momentum behind SB 731 through to the next legislative session.  We thank our colleagues who stood up for this important bill.  There is hope that the arc is bending toward justice. We must keep the pressure on to bend it even further.”

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins