Peace officers.

Senators Seyarto and Wahab's proposal to modify California's peace officer education requirements would eliminate the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training's mandate to approve and adopt education criteria based on recommendations from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.

The legislation maintains existing requirements for the Chancellor's Office to develop a modern policing degree program in consultation with law enforcement stakeholders, California State University representatives, and community organizations. This program must incorporate courses in psychology, communications, history, ethnic studies, law, and other subjects that develop critical thinking and emotional intelligence. The program guidelines include provisions for candidates with prior law enforcement, postsecondary education, or relevant military experience to satisfy portions of employment eligibility requirements.

The bill retains language requiring both the modern policing degree and a bachelor's degree in any discipline as minimum education requirements for peace officer employment. It also preserves recommendations for financial assistance to students from historically underserved communities facing barriers to higher education access. As an urgency measure, the legislation would take effect immediately upon enactment, with authors citing the need to address law enforcement recruitment pressures through clarified degree requirements.