Council Opposes State Bill to Extend Public‑Safety 'Bill of Rights' to Civilian Police Employees and Firefighters

The Los Angeles City Council voted May 9 to oppose a proposed state bill that would extend elements of the Public Safety Officers’ Procedural Bill of Rights to civilian employees of police departments and to firefighters.

The council took the position after staff and department representatives told members the bill would alter local Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and City Charter provisions that govern employee relations and disciplinary processes. Michael Karsh of the City’s Legislative Analyst Office explained the bill could subvert negotiated provisions and that both the Fire and Police Departments recommended opposition. The council voted 11‑0 to oppose the legislation.

A member of the public asked whether the bill’s scope would include parking enforcement and other civilian classifications; staff answered the bill as drafted would extend protections to civilians in police departments and to firefighters. The committee and CLA recommendation was to oppose the bill; several councilmembers expressed concern that the measure would create parallel systems and undermine locally negotiated labor agreements.

Councilmember Mzakowski and others said local employee relations and the existing negotiation framework should not be superseded by a statewide rule that would elevate certain civilian classifications to a status similar to sworn officers. The council’s action is a position on state legislation and does not change local MOUs or Charter language absent later state action or local implementation.