SB-734
Justice & Public Safety

Criminal procedure: discrimination.

Engrossed
CA
2025-2026 Regular Session
0
0
Track

Key Takeaways

  • Prohibits punitive actions against public safety officers based solely on racial discrimination court findings.
  • Requires attorneys to notify law enforcement agencies when filing racial bias claims involving officers.
  • Expands habeas corpus rights to challenge convictions based on racial discrimination.
  • Prevents officer decertification based on racial bias court findings unless supported by underlying misconduct.

Summary

Senator Caballero's criminal procedure legislation establishes new protections for public safety officers while refining California's framework for addressing racial discrimination in the justice system. The bill prohibits agencies from taking punitive employment actions against officers based solely on court findings under the California Racial Justice Act, while preserving their ability to discipline officers for underlying misconduct through proper procedures.

The legislation expands legal remedies for individuals alleging racial discrimination in criminal proceedings by integrating Racial Justice Act violations into habeas corpus petitions and motions to vacate convictions. When filing these challenges based on law enforcement conduct, attorneys must notify the relevant agencies. The bill also clarifies that the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training cannot revoke officer certifications based only on discriminatory judicial findings, though it maintains authority to act on the underlying conduct with due process.

Through amendments to multiple code sections, the measure implements a phased timeline starting January 1, 2023, gradually extending relief options through 2026 based on case circumstances and judgment dates. The provisions aim to balance procedural protections for officers with mechanisms to address discrimination claims, while ensuring proper notification to law enforcement agencies when their personnel are implicated in legal challenges.

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety
Next Step
Assembly Committee
Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB734 Caballero Reconsider
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB734 Caballero
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB734 Caballero
Senate Public Safety Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Public Safety Hearing
Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Introduced
Senate Floor
Introduced
Introduced. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Contacts

Profile
Anna CaballeroD
Senator
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tom LackeyR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
James RamosD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Matt HaneyD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Juan AlanisR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 10 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 2
Select All Legislators
Profile
Anna CaballeroD
Senator
Bill Author
Profile
Tom LackeyR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
James RamosD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Matt HaneyD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Juan AlanisR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Stephanie NguyenD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Mark GonzalezD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
John HarabedianD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Nick SchultzD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
LaShae Sharp-CollinsD
Assemblymember
Committee Member

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Anna Caballero
Anna CaballeroD
California State Senator
40% progression
Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (5/28/2025)

Latest Voting History

May 28, 2025
PASS
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
360440PASS

Key Takeaways

  • Prohibits punitive actions against public safety officers based solely on racial discrimination court findings.
  • Requires attorneys to notify law enforcement agencies when filing racial bias claims involving officers.
  • Expands habeas corpus rights to challenge convictions based on racial discrimination.
  • Prevents officer decertification based on racial bias court findings unless supported by underlying misconduct.

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Anna Caballero
Anna CaballeroD
California State Senator

Summary

Senator Caballero's criminal procedure legislation establishes new protections for public safety officers while refining California's framework for addressing racial discrimination in the justice system. The bill prohibits agencies from taking punitive employment actions against officers based solely on court findings under the California Racial Justice Act, while preserving their ability to discipline officers for underlying misconduct through proper procedures.

The legislation expands legal remedies for individuals alleging racial discrimination in criminal proceedings by integrating Racial Justice Act violations into habeas corpus petitions and motions to vacate convictions. When filing these challenges based on law enforcement conduct, attorneys must notify the relevant agencies. The bill also clarifies that the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training cannot revoke officer certifications based only on discriminatory judicial findings, though it maintains authority to act on the underlying conduct with due process.

Through amendments to multiple code sections, the measure implements a phased timeline starting January 1, 2023, gradually extending relief options through 2026 based on case circumstances and judgment dates. The provisions aim to balance procedural protections for officers with mechanisms to address discrimination claims, while ensuring proper notification to law enforcement agencies when their personnel are implicated in legal challenges.

40% progression
Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (5/28/2025)

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety
Next Step
Assembly Committee
Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB734 Caballero Reconsider
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB734 Caballero
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB734 Caballero
Senate Public Safety Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Public Safety Hearing
Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Introduced
Senate Floor
Introduced
Introduced. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Latest Voting History

May 28, 2025
PASS
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
360440PASS

Contacts

Profile
Anna CaballeroD
Senator
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tom LackeyR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
James RamosD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Matt HaneyD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Juan AlanisR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 10 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 2
Select All Legislators
Profile
Anna CaballeroD
Senator
Bill Author
Profile
Tom LackeyR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
James RamosD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Matt HaneyD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Juan AlanisR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Stephanie NguyenD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Mark GonzalezD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
John HarabedianD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Nick SchultzD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
LaShae Sharp-CollinsD
Assemblymember
Committee Member