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Item # 24
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
April 18, 2023
TOPIC: Resolution Opposing Assembly Bill 742
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution Declaring Opposition to Assembly Bill 742 (Jackson)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution declaring opposition to California Assembly Bill 742.
DISCUSSION
Introduction
On April 11, 2023, Mayor Amezcua requested that staff add the following agenda item
to the April 18, 2023 City Council meeting: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Santa Ana Opposing California Assembly Bill 742 (Jackson). Assembly Bill 742 involves
a policy matter that is not specifically addressed within the City’s legislative
priorities. However, the City Council may wish to consider taking a position on this bill
as it would prohibit the use of an unleashed police canine by law enforcement to
apprehend a person and any use of a police canine for crowd control. Staff from the City
Manager’s Office prepared the attached resolution (Exhibit 1) for consideration by the
City Council.
Summary of Assembly Bill 742
Assembly Bill 742 (“AB 742”) would prohibit the use of an unleashed police canine by
law enforcement to apprehend a person, and any use of a police canine for crowd
control. The bill would prohibit law enforcement agencies from authorizing any use or
training of a police canine that is inconsistent with this bill.
Background and Existing Law
Existing law authorizes a peace officer to use reasonable force to effect the arrest, to
prevent escape, or to overcome resistance of an individual. Existing law requires law
enforcement agencies to maintain a policy on the use of force. Existing law also
prohibits the use of kinetic energy projectiles or chemical agents by any law
enforcement agency to disperse any assembly, protest, or demonstration, except in
compliance with specified standards. According to the author’s fact sheet, the California
Resolution Opposing Assembly Bill 742
April 18, 2023
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Department of Justice Use of Force Data from 2021, injuries caused by police canines
accounted for nearly 12 percent of cases that resulted in severe injury or death. The
report also shows that 35 percent of those contacted by a canine were armed. The
types of incidents with K-9 contact included “calls for service,” crimes in progress, pre-
planned activities such as serving a warrant, and vehicle/pedestrian stops
Status of Legislation
AB 742 was heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee on March 21, 2023 and
passed. The bill is currently being referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee
for their consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution
Submitted By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager
Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager
Resolution 2023-XXX
Page 1 of 3
RESOLUTION 2023-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA OPPOSING CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL
742 (JACKSON)
WHEREAS, on February 13, 2023, California State Assemblymember Corey
Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) introduced Assembly Bill 742 which, if adopted, would prohibit
the use of police canines for apprehension and crowd control, as specified in the bill; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana actively opposes Assembly Bill 742 and
considers the proposed bill an uninformed and counter-productive attempt to eliminate a
lawful, effective, and legitimate non-lethal force option throughout the State of California;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana promotes an acute understanding of the
importance of de-escalation techniques and advocates for effective de-escalation tools,
including the use and presence of police canines in appropriate situations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana advocates for and promotes the use of controlled
and necessary non-lethal force options versus lethal force options when appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana understands the incredible value of police
canines and the invaluable non-lethal force option police canines provide for police
officers in dangerous situations; and
WHEREAS, police canines provide an effective de-escalation tool and non-lethal
force option for California law enforcement organizations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Santa Ana as follows:
Section 1. The City of Santa Ana hereby opposes Assembly Bill 742 and
considers the proposed legislation irresponsible, counter-productive, and unnecessary.
Section 2. The City of Santa Ana urges the State Legislature of the State of
California to oppose Assembly Bill 742.
Section 3. The City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign a letter
opposing Assembly Bill 742, and further directs staff to send a copy of this resolution and
the letter of opposition to Assemblymember Jackson and other interested parties.
Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by
the City Council, and the City Clerk shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this
Resolution.
Resolution 2023-XXX
Page 2 of 3
ADOPTED this ____ day of April, 2023.
___________________________
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
By: ________________________
AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, Jennifer L. Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No.
2023-___ to be the original Resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa
Ana on _____________, 2023.
Date: ___________________ ____________________________
City Clerk
City of Santa Ana