Under prior law, Government Code Section 1031 requires an individual seeking or holding employment as a peace officer to be evaluated by a physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, or psychologist, and to be found free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect their exercise of the powers of a peace officer. In 2020, the Legislature added a provision that this evaluation must also screen for bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. In 2021, a bill amending an unrelated part of Section 1031 inadvertently removed the bias provision. AB 2229 puts it back in.
In addition, AB 2229 makes a small revision to the minimum education requirement for peace officers. Currently, the law requires peace officers to have graduated high school, to have passed an approved high school equivalency exam, or to hold a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university. Current law provides various criteria for the recognition of an accrediting organization or association. AB 2229 adds to this list any accrediting organization holding a full membership in Cognia.
AB 2229 was designated as urgency legislation and took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature on September 30, 2022.
(AB 2229 amends Section 1031 of the Government Code.)