Assembly Member Pacheco's police canine legislation would require California law enforcement agencies with canine units to adopt policies aligned with Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines by January 2027.
The measure defines law enforcement agencies as any state or local government department, special district, or political subdivision employing peace officers. These agencies must maintain written policies governing canine operations that meet or exceed the most recent POST standards. While the bill establishes this baseline requirement, it leaves the specific content of those standards to POST's existing authority and expertise.
To address fiscal impacts on local agencies, the bill includes provisions for state reimbursement of mandated costs. The Commission on State Mandates would evaluate whether the new requirements create reimbursable expenses for local jurisdictions and school districts. Any approved costs would be repaid through established statutory procedures under the Government Code.
![]() Joaquin ArambulaD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() James RamosD Assembly Member | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
![]() Buffy WicksD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Lisa CalderonD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Mike FongD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Assembly Member Pacheco's police canine legislation would require California law enforcement agencies with canine units to adopt policies aligned with Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines by January 2027.
The measure defines law enforcement agencies as any state or local government department, special district, or political subdivision employing peace officers. These agencies must maintain written policies governing canine operations that meet or exceed the most recent POST standards. While the bill establishes this baseline requirement, it leaves the specific content of those standards to POST's existing authority and expertise.
To address fiscal impacts on local agencies, the bill includes provisions for state reimbursement of mandated costs. The Commission on State Mandates would evaluate whether the new requirements create reimbursable expenses for local jurisdictions and school districts. Any approved costs would be repaid through established statutory procedures under the Government Code.
Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
8 | 0 | 1 | 9 | PASS |
![]() Joaquin ArambulaD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() James RamosD Assembly Member | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
![]() Buffy WicksD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Lisa CalderonD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Mike FongD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted |