SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced he has signed AB 355, authored by Assemblymember Alanis, into law.
“I am thankful that Governor Newsom agreed this gap in efficiently training our future peace officers needed to be closed,” said Assemblymember Alanis. “The current process delays and unnecessarily complicates cadet training and their entry into the agencies tasked with protecting the public. My bill streamlines this important training process and will introduce even more qualified cadets into the field from academies.”
AB 355 allows law enforcement cadets enrolled in basic training prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) or other certified training to use tactical rifles while engaged in firearms training and under the supervision of a firearms instructor. Under previous law, cadets could not complete tactical rifle training at most academies and had to return for training after becoming full-time officers. This unnecessary delay in training and certification, while law enforcement agencies across California are already short-staffed, posed an efficiency and public safety problem that this legislation will resolve.
The measure passed through the Legislature with unanimous bipartisan and bicameral support. Initially opposed by gun control proponents, Assemblymember Alanis worked all year through constructive discussions and negotiations with the Brady Campaign to find common ground and ensure the bill’s success. It highlights the constructive and measured approach Assemblymember Alanis has taken in his first year in Sacramento.
AB 355 is the second bill authored by Assemblymember Alanis to be signed into law by the Governor this year.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents the 22nd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Denair, Patterson, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Ballico, Snelling, Keyes, Grayson, Crows Landing, Diablo Grande, Stevinson, & Empire.