Legislation

A Change in California’s Definition of Code Enforcement Officer
Could Improve Federal Funding and Public Safety

With the passage of AB 1532 on July 19, 2010, California code enforcement officers moved one step closer to being recognized for their professional work of improving the quality of life and safety for California residents. “We are pleased the governor and legislators supported the passage of AB 1532, which clearly defines the profession of code enforcement officers as a vital force in California,” said Chris Wiggins, president of CACEO.

Code enforcement programs eliminate blight, reduce crime and address a vast number of problems in communities, including abandoned and substandard structures, graffiti, unsanitary conditions and more. Code enforcement professionals are a viable, necessary and beneficial component of public safety who work to improve the quality of life and preserve property values in California communities.

Existing law defines and limits "code enforcement officer" for purposes of determining the punishment for an assault or battery committed against a code enforcement officer as a person who is not a peace officer, has enforcement authority in specified areas and is authorized to issue citations or file formal complaints. AB 1532 defines "code enforcement officer" in the Penal Code as described above without limiting the definition to the context of assault and battery committed against a code enforcement officer.

“AB 1532 will greatly assist local jurisdictions in obtaining federal grants from the sources of federal funds available for code enforcement,” said Wiggins. Prior to the bill’s passage, the lack of a codified definition placed California code enforcement agencies at a disadvantage when competing with agencies from other states in seeking federal code enforcement funds. “With recent budget cuts to many code enforcement departments throughout the state, our profession has been hit hard by the downturn in the economy,” stated Wiggins. “The ability to seek federal funding is critical to preserving the services we provide to protect California residents.”

Contact:
Executive Director Melissa Dixon: 916-492-2223,
Fax: 916-231-2141, e-mail: mdixon@caceo.us

Click here for the text of the bill.

Click here for federal grant opportunities.

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