Assembly Bill 738 aims to enhance the standards and procedures surrounding the use of force by law enforcement officers and the decertification of various public safety professionals, including jail and juvenile detention officers. The bill stipulates that law enforcement officers must employ de-escalation tactics and use the least amount of force necessary when addressing threats. It also introduces new grounds for decertification, such as violating the law governing the use of force and terminating employment while under investigation for official misconduct. The Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) is required to decertify individuals within 30 days of the relevant event and develop a model use of force policy that addresses interactions with vulnerable populations and incorporates best practices.

Additionally, the bill renumbers and amends existing statutes to reflect these changes, including the requirement for the LESB to create a model use of force policy that limits force against vulnerable populations and includes best practices for interactions with individuals with mental health issues or disabilities. The bill emphasizes the importance of compliance with the law governing the use of force and establishes a process for reviewing resignations and terminations related to misconduct. Overall, Assembly Bill 738 seeks to improve accountability and safety in law enforcement practices.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 165.85(3m)(c), 165.85, 165.85(4)(c)7, 175.44(2)(b)(intro.), 175.44