HR 86
Page 1
Date of Hearing: August 13, 2026
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Blanca Pacheco, Chair
HR 86 (Ta) – As Introduced February 17, 2026
SUBJECT: Canine “K-9” Appreciation Week.
SUMMARY: Proclaims the week of September 1, 2026, to September 7, 2026, inclusive, to be
Canine “K-9” Appreciation Week. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative
findings:
1) While canines were used by law enforcement in the United States as early as 1907, with the
establishment of the first official police dog program by the New York City Police
Department, their institutionalization in Southern California saw significant growth in the
late 1970s, expanding from state-level law enforcement to city and county law enforcement.
2) The Richmond Police Department Canine Unit has a long and proud history of both canines
and handlers. The Richmond Police Department Canine Unit was formed in 1961, and is
second only to the Stockton Police Department as the longest continuous canine program in
Northern California.
3) Canine teams work collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies on various projects
and incidents when needed.
4) Canine units significantly benefit California law enforcement by enhancing suspect
apprehension, detecting narcotics and explosives, locating missing persons, and acting as a
deterrent, all while often reducing the need for lethal force through their superior senses,
speed, and ability in situations, protecting officers and the public.
5) The role of a canine unit extends from tracking criminals and finding evidence, including
drugs or firearms, to providing community relations through demonstrations.
6) All of the handlers in the canine units enjoy working with the public and frequently conduct
demonstrations. The handlers enjoy meeting the public and answering questions concerning
the unit and canines in general. The canines enjoy all of the attention they get from the
children who attend the demonstrations.
FISCAL EFFECT: This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by Legislative Counsel.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800