The ACLU of California, Indivisible CA: StateStrong, and the American Friends Service Committee, have teamed up to co-sponsor AB3131 to bring accountability and transparency to decisions on the acquisition and use of military weapons by police and sheriffs’ departments.
AB3131 would:
- Require all law enforcement agencies to receive approval from their governing bodies in an open public hearing before requesting military equipment or seeking funds for military equipment.
- Require reporting by the requesting agency for each piece of military equipment (usage policy, impact statement, proposal for use, annual report on use).
Not only does this bill directly resist the Trump administration’s attempt to militarize local police forces, it also creates significant police oversight which will help to protect our communities, especially people of color and immigrants, in California.
At the end of May, your Assemblymember will be voting on AB 3131 on the floor of the Assembly. Please call them and tell them to vote yes!