BILLS

(D- San Diego) and Kevin Mccarty (D-sacramento) – would change the legal standard for use of deadly force from “reasonable” to “necessary,” also providing more power in prosecuting police in officerinvolved shootings.

Though the bills were once competing – police unions backed SB 230 – they’re now tied together; 392 provides the legal standard, while 230 requires the supporting policy and training.

SB 230 was amended in the Senate April 30 and was due for a committee hearing last week. Instead, it was sent to the Suspense File within the Senate Appropriations Committee. Suspense File bills are considered at a hearing after the state budget has been prepared and the committee has a better sense of available revenue.

Sutter County Sheriff Brandon Barnes said he and his staff continue to monitor both bills, but his support hasn’t changed

since the bills became supporting measures.

“I certainly support better training standards but do not support changing the legal standard established by Graham v. Connor,” Barnes wrote in an email Tuesday. “Use of force decisions are based on reasonableness, given the totality of the circumstances known to the officer, and changing that creates significant concerns. Any impact to our department has yet to be decided. The State Sheriff’s Association continues to oppose AB 392.”

Yuba County District Attorney Clint Curry shared the same sentiments, saying that the