(SACRAMENTO) â Assembly Bill 1459 (AB 1459) by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Orange County) was signed into law, by Governor Jerry Brown. AB 1459 would clarify that all killings in which the victim was a peace officer engaged in the performance of his or her duties, are considered first degree murder for purposes of the gravity of the offense and the support of survivors.
âEvery day, peace officers across our great state serve and protect our communities from harm. Peace officers willingly put their lives in harmâs way to protect us,â said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. âGiven the level of violence inflicted upon peace officers in recent years, it makes sense to ensure clarity when dealing justice for the murder of a peace officer. AB 1459 reinforces the stateâs commitment to provide justice for our fallen peace officers while performing their duties.â
Since 2012, 22 California peace officers have been killed by intentional gunfire. Nationwide, 235 peace officers have suffered that same fate in the same time period. As a leading advocate for public safety, and victimâs rights, Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva authored the legislation that stands up for law enforcement and their commitment to our community.
More information about the bill can be found here.