A bill proposed by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkley) that would allow for certain non-US Citizens to become police officers has passed the California State Assembly on Monday.
According to Skinner, SB 960 will remove the rule that prevents California law enforcement agencies from hiring non-citizen residents who have full legal work authorization and meet all other requirements to serve as peace officers.
On August 15, the bill passed in a 45-19 vote (16 members did not cast a vote) in the State Assembly. The bill passed the State Senate on April 28 in a 29-8 vote. With the approval, the bill will return to the Senate for a final vote before it could potentially heading to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature.
Skinner took to Twitter:
“Excellent! The CA Assembly today approved my #CALeg #SB960, which will allow noncitizen residents with full work authorization to become police officers in CA. SB 960 now goes back to the Senate Floor” for one final vote.”
According to SB 960:
The bill was introduced on February 9, 2022.