reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.6 - Firefighters › Section 3255.

3255. A firefighter shall not have any comment adverse to his or her interest entered in his or her personnel file, or any other file used for any personnel purposes by his or her employer, without the firefighter having first read and signed the instrument containing the adverse comment indicating he or she is aware of the comment. However, the entry may be made if after reading the instrument the firefighter refuses to sign it. That fact shall be noted on that document, and signed or initialed by the firefighter.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.6 - Firefighters › Section 3256.

3256. A firefighter shall have 30 days within which to file a written response to any adverse comment entered in his or her personnel file. The written response shall be attached to, and shall accompany, the adverse comment.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.6 - Firefighters › Section 3256.5.

3256.5. (a) Every employer shall, at reasonable times and at reasonable intervals, upon the request of a firefighter, during usual business hours, with no loss of compensation to the firefighter, permit that firefighter to inspect personnel files that are used or have been used to determine that firefighter’s qualifications for employment, promotion, additional compensation, or termination or other disciplinary action.
(b) Each employer shall keep each firefighter’s personnel file or a true and correct copy thereof, and shall make the file or copy thereof available within a reasonable period of time after a request therefor by the firefighter.
(c) If, after examination of the firefighter’s personnel file, the firefighter believes that any portion of the material is mistakenly or unlawfully placed in the file, the firefighter may request, in writing, that the mistaken or unlawful portion be corrected or deleted. Any request made pursuant to this subdivision shall include a statement by the firefighter describing the corrections or deletions from the personnel file requested and the reasons supporting those corrections or deletions. A statement submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall become part of the personnel file of the firefighter.
(d) Within 30 calendar days of receipt of a request made pursuant to subdivision (c), the employer shall either grant the firefighter’s request or notify the officer of the decision to refuse to grant the request. If the employer refuses to grant the request, in whole or in part, the employer shall state in writing the reasons for refusing the request, and that written statement shall become part of the personnel file of the firefighter.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.6 - Firefighters › Section 3257.

3257. (a) A firefighter shall not be compelled to submit to a lie detector test against his or her will.
(1) Disciplinary action or other recrimination shall not be taken against a firefighter refusing to submit to a lie detector test.
(2) No comment shall be entered anywhere in the investigator’s notes or anywhere else that the firefighter refused to take, or did not take, a lie detector test.
(3) Testimony or evidence to the effect that the firefighter refused to take, or was subjected to, a lie detector test shall not be admissible at a subsequent hearing, trial, or proceeding, judicial or administrative.
(b) For the purpose of this section, “lie detector” means a polygraph, deceptograph, voice stress analyzer, psychological stress evaluator, or any other similar device, whether mechanical or electrical, that is used, or the results of which are used, for the purpose of rendering a diagnostic opinion regarding the honesty or dishonesty of an individual.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.6 - Firefighters › Section 3258.

3258. A firefighter shall not be required or requested for purposes of job assignment or other personnel action to disclose any item of his or her property, income, assets, source of income, debts, or personal or domestic expenditures, including those of any member of his or her family or household, unless that information is otherwise required to be furnished under state law or obtained pursuant to court order.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.6 - Firefighters › Section 3259.

3259. A firefighter shall not have his or her locker or other space for storage that may be assigned to him or her searched except in his or her presence, or with his or her consent, or unless a valid search warrant has been obtained or unless he or she has been notified that a search will be conducted. This section shall apply only to lockers or other space for storage that are owned or leased by the employing department or licensing or certifying agency.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.6 - Firefighters › Section 3260.

3260. (a) It shall be unlawful for any employing department or licensing or certifying agency to deny or refuse to any firefighter the rights and protections guaranteed by this chapter.
(b) The superior court shall have initial jurisdiction over any proceeding brought by any firefighter against any employing department or licensing or certifying agency for alleged violations of this chapter.
(c) (1) If the superior court finds that the employing department or licensing or certifying agency has violated any of the provisions of this chapter, the court shall render appropriate injunctive or other extraordinary relief to remedy the violation and to prevent future violations of a like or similar nature, including, but not limited to, the granting of a temporary restraining order or preliminary or permanent injunction prohibiting the employing department or licensing or certifying agency from taking any punitive action against the firefighter.
(2) If the court finds that a bad faith or frivolous action or a filing for an improper purpose has been brought pursuant to this chapter, the court may order sanctions against the party filing the action, the party’s attorney, or both, pursuant to Sections 128.6 and 128.7 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Those sanctions may include, but not be limited to, reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, incurred by a fire department as the court deems appropriate. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to subject actions or filings under this section to rules or standards that are different from those applicable to other civil actions or filings subject to Section 128.6 or 128.7 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(d) In addition to the extraordinary relief afforded by this chapter, upon a finding by a superior court that a fire department, its employees, agents, or assigns, with respect to acts taken within the scope of employment, maliciously violated any provision of this chapter with the intent to injure the firefighter, the fire department shall, for each and every violation, be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to be awarded to the firefighter whose right or protection was denied and for reasonable attorney’s fees as may be determined by the court. If the court so finds, and there is sufficient evidence to establish actual damages suffered by the firefighter whose right or protection was denied, the fire department shall also be liable for the amount of the actual damages. Notwithstanding these provisions, a fire department may not be required to indemnify a contractor for the contractor’s liability pursuant to this subdivision if there is, within the contract between the fire department and the contractor, a “hold harmless” or similar provision that protects the fire department from liability for the actions of the contractor. An individual shall not be liable for any act for which a fire department is liable under this section.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.6 - Firefighters › Section 3261.

3261. Nothing in this chapter shall in any way be construed to limit the ability of any employing department, licensing or certifying agency, or any firefighter to fulfill mutual aid agreements with other jurisdictions or agencies, and this chapter shall not be construed in any way to limit any jurisdictional or interagency cooperation under any circumstances where that activity is deemed necessary or desirable by the jurisdictions or agencies involved.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.6 - Firefighters › Section 3262.

3262. The rights and protections described in this chapter shall only apply to a firefighter during events and circumstances involving the performance of his or her official duties.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 591, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3301.

3301. For purposes of this chapter, the term public safety officer means all peace officers specified in Sections 830.1, 830.2, 830.3, 830.31, 830.32, 830.33, except subdivision (e), 830.34, 830.35, except subdivision (c), 830.36, 830.37, 830.38, 830.4, and 830.5 of the Penal Code.
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the rights and protections provided to peace officers under this chapter constitute a matter of statewide concern. The Legislature further finds and declares that effective law enforcement depends upon the maintenance of stable employer-employee relations, between public safety employees and their employers. In order to assure that stable relations are continued throughout the state and to further assure that effective services are provided to all people of the state, it is necessary that this chapter be applicable to all public safety officers, as defined in this section, wherever situated within the State of California.
(Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 675, Sec. 1.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3302.

3302. (a) Except as otherwise provided by law, or whenever on duty or in uniform, no public safety officer shall be prohibited from engaging, or be coerced or required to engage, in political activity.
(b) No public safety officer shall be prohibited from seeking election to, or serving as a member of, the governing board of a school district.
(Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 1173.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3304.5.

3304.5. An administrative appeal instituted by a public safety officer under this chapter shall be conducted in conformance with rules and procedures adopted by the local public agency.
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 263, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3305.

3305. No public safety officer shall have any comment adverse to his interest entered in his personnel file, or any other file used for any personnel purposes by his employer, without the public safety officer having first read and signed the instrument containing the adverse comment indicating he is aware of such comment, except that such entry may be made if after reading such instrument the public safety officer refuses to sign it. Should a public safety officer refuse to sign, that fact shall be noted on that document, and signed or initialed by such officer.
(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 465.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3305.5.

3305.5. (a) A punitive action, or denial of promotion on grounds other than merit, shall not be undertaken by any public agency against any public safety officer solely because that officer’s name has been placed on a Brady list, or that the officer’s name may otherwise be subject to disclosure pursuant to Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83.
(b) This section shall not prohibit a public agency from taking punitive action, denying promotion on grounds other than merit, or taking other personnel action against a public safety officer based on the underlying acts or omissions for which that officer’s name was placed on a Brady list, or may otherwise be subject to disclosure pursuant to Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83, if the actions taken by the public agency otherwise conform to this chapter and to the rules and procedures adopted by the local agency.
(c) Evidence that a public safety officer’s name has been placed on a Brady list, or may otherwise be subject to disclosure pursuant to Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83, shall not be introduced for any purpose in any administrative appeal of a punitive action, except as provided in subdivision (d).
(d) Evidence that a public safety officer’s name was placed on a Brady list may only be introduced if, during the administrative appeal of a punitive action against an officer, the underlying act or omission for which that officer’s name was placed on a Brady list is proven and the officer is found to be subject to some form of punitive action. If the hearing officer or other administrative appeal tribunal finds or determines that a public safety officer has committed the underlying acts or omissions that will result in a punitive action, denial of a promotion on grounds other than merit, or any other adverse personnel action, and evidence exists that a public safety officer’s name has been placed on a Brady list, or may otherwise be subject to disclosure pursuant to Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83, then the evidence shall be introduced for the sole purpose of determining the type or level of punitive action to be imposed.
(e) For purposes of this section, “Brady list” means any system, index, list, or other record containing the names of peace officers whose personnel files are likely to contain evidence of dishonesty or bias, which is maintained by a prosecutorial agency or office in accordance with the holding in Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83.
(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 779, Sec. 1. (SB 313) Effective January 1, 2014.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3306.

3306. A public safety officer shall have 30 days within which to file a written response to any adverse comment entered in his personnel file. Such written response shall be attached to, and shall accompany, the adverse comment.
(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 465.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3306.5.

3306.5. (a) Every employer shall, at reasonable times and at reasonable intervals, upon the request of a public safety officer, during usual business hours, with no loss of compensation to the officer, permit that officer to inspect personnel files that are used or have been used to determine that officer’s qualifications for employment, promotion, additional compensation, or termination or other disciplinary action.
(b) Each employer shall keep each public safety officer’s personnel file or a true and correct copy thereof , and shall make the file or copy thereof available within a reasonable period of time after a request therefor by the officer.
(c) If, after examination of the officer’s personnel file, the officer believes that any portion of the material is mistakenly or unlawfully placed in the file, the officer may request, in writing, that the mistaken or unlawful portion be corrected or deleted. Any request made pursuant to this subdivision shall include a statement by the officer describing the corrections or deletions from the personnel file requested and the reasons supporting those corrections or deletions. A statement submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall become part of the personnel file of the officer.
(d) Within 30 calendar days of receipt of a request made pursuant to subdivision (c), the employer shall either grant the officer’s request or notify the officer of the decision to refuse to grant the request. If the employer refuses to grant the request, in whole or in part, the employer shall state in writing the reasons for refusing the request, and that written statement shall become part of the personnel file of the officer.
(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 209, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3307.

3307. (a) No public safety officer shall be compelled to submit to a lie detector test against his or her will. No disciplinary action or other recrimination shall be taken against a public safety officer refusing to submit to a lie detector test, nor shall any comment be entered anywhere in the investigator’s notes or anywhere else that the public safety officer refused to take, or did not take, a lie detector test, nor shall any testimony or evidence be admissible at a subsequent hearing, trial, or proceeding, judicial or administrative, to the effect that the public safety officer refused to take, or was subjected to, a lie detector test.
(b) For the purpose of this section, “lie detector” means a polygraph, deceptograph, voice stress analyzer, psychological stress evaluator, or any other similar device, whether mechanical or electrical, that is used, or the results of which are used, for the purpose of rendering a diagnostic opinion regarding the honesty or dishonesty of an individual.
(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 112, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3307.5.

3307.5. (a) No public safety officer shall be required as a condition of employment by his or her employing public safety department or other public agency to consent to the use of his or her photograph or identity as a public safety officer on the Internet for any purpose if that officer reasonably believes that the disclosure may result in a threat, harassment, intimidation, or harm to that officer or his or her family.
(b) Based upon his or her reasonable belief that the disclosure of his or her photograph or identity as a public safety officer on the Internet as described in subdivision (a) may result in a threat, harassment, intimidation, or harm, the officer may notify the department or other public agency to cease and desist from that disclosure. After the notification to cease and desist, the officer, a district attorney, or a United States Attorney may seek an injunction prohibiting any official or unofficial use by the department or other public agency on the Internet of his or her photograph or identity as a public safety officer. The court may impose a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) per day commencing two working days after the date of receipt of the notification to cease and desist.
(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 338, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2000.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3308.

3308. No public safety officer shall be required or requested for purposes of job assignment or other personnel action to disclose any item of his property, income, assets, source of income, debts or personal or domestic expenditures (including those of any member of his family or household) unless such information is obtained or required under state law or proper legal procedure, tends to indicate a conflict of interest with respect to the performance of his official duties, or is necessary for the employing agency to ascertain the desirability of assigning the public safety officer to a specialized unit in which there is a strong possibility that bribes or other improper inducements may be offered.
(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 465.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3309.

3309. No public safety officer shall have his locker, or other space for storage that may be assigned to him searched except in his presence, or with his consent, or unless a valid search warrant has been obtained or where he has been notified that a search will be conducted. This section shall apply only to lockers or other space for storage that are owned or leased by the employing agency.
(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 465.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3310.

3310. Any public agency which has adopted, through action of its governing body or its official designee, any procedure which at a minimum provides to peace officers the same rights or protections as provided pursuant to this chapter shall not be subject to this chapter with regard to such a procedure.
(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 465.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3311.

3311. Nothing in this chapter shall in any way be construed to limit the use of any public safety agency or any public safety officer in the fulfilling of mutual aid agreements with other jurisdictions or agencies, nor shall this chapter be construed in any way to limit any jurisdictional or interagency cooperation under any circumstances where such activity is deemed necessary or desirable by the jurisdictions or the agencies involved.
(Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 579.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3312.

3312. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the employer of a public safety officer may not take any punitive action against an officer for wearing a pin or displaying any other item containing the American flag, unless the employer gives the officer written notice that includes all of the following:
(a) A statement that the officer’s pin or other item violates an existing rule, regulation, policy, or local agency agreement or contract regarding the wearing of a pin, or the displaying of any other item, containing the American flag.
(b) A citation to the specific rule, regulation, policy, or local agency agreement or contract that the pin or other item violates.
(c) A statement that the officer may file an appeal against the employer challenging the alleged violation pursuant to applicable grievance or appeal procedures adopted by the department or public agency that otherwise comply with existing law.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 170, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.7 - Public Safety Officers › Section 3313.

3313. In the 2005–06 fiscal year, the Commission on State Mandates shall review its statement of decision regarding the Peace Officer Procedural Bill of Rights test claim and make any modifications necessary to this decision to clarify whether the subject legislation imposed a mandate consistent with the California Supreme Court Decision in San Diego Unified School Dist. v. Commission on State Mandates (2004) 33 Cal.4th 859 and other applicable court decisions. If the Commission on State Mandates revises its statement of decision regarding the Peace Officer Procedural Bill of Rights test claim, the revised decision shall apply to local government Peace Officer Procedural Bill of Rights activities occurring after the date the revised decision is adopted.
(Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 72, Sec. 6. Effective July 19, 2005.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.8 - Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act › Section 3400.

3400. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 226, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.8 - Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act › Section 3401.

3401. The Governor annually may award and present, in the name of the State of California, a Public Safety Medal of Valor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to one or more public safety officers cited by the Attorney General pursuant to Section 3402 for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. The medal shall be the highest state award for valor awarded to a public safety officer, which includes any person serving a public agency, with or without compensation, as a firefighter, an ocean lifeguard, a law enforcement officer, including a corrections or court officer or a civil defense officer, or an emergency services officer.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 329, Sec. 1. (AB 489) Effective January 1, 2016.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.8 - Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act › Section 3402.

3402. (a) There exists in state government the Public Safety Medal of Valor Review Board, whose purpose is to solicit and review applications for, and make recommendations to the Attorney General regarding, the Public Safety Medal of Valor.
(b) The board shall be comprised of one representative selected by each of the following organizations:
(1) The California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
(2) The California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations.
(3) The California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
(4) The California Peace Officers’ Association.
(5) The California Police Chiefs’ Association.
(6) The California Professional Firefighters.
(7) The California State Firefighters’ Association.
(8) The California State Sheriffs’ Association.
(9) The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association.
(10) The Peace Officers Research Association of California.
(11) A group, selected by the board, that represents emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
(12) The United States Lifesaving Association.
(c) The board shall be chaired by a member elected by a majority vote of the members at the first official meeting of the board each year. The board shall meet at the call of the chair. Members shall serve without compensation or reimbursement for travel, per diem, or other expenses, and they shall minimize travel and expenses to the greatest extent possible. Any cost incurred by a member as a result of serving as a member shall not be paid by the state.
(d) The board shall review the applications for the medal to determine which applicants, if any, to recommend to the Attorney General. The board may hear from witnesses and consider whatever information it considers advisable to carry out its duties. The board may secure directly from any state department, or other state or local agency, information as the board considers necessary to carry out its duties. Upon the request of the board, the head of a department or agency may furnish information to the board. The board shall not disclose any information that may compromise an ongoing law enforcement investigation or is otherwise required by law to be kept confidential.
(e) Not more often than once each year, the board may present to the Attorney General the name or names of those persons, if any, it recommends as candidates for the medal.
(f) The board may receive donations to pay for meeting and witness expenses. Witnesses requested to appear before the board may be paid no more than the fees paid to witnesses pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure. The per diem and mileage allowance may be paid from funds donated to the board and shall not be paid by the state. If donated funds are not available to the board, the board shall not hold hearings or have witnesses.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 329, Sec. 2. (AB 489) Effective January 1, 2016.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.8 - Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act › Section 3403.

3403. (a) The Attorney General shall review the candidates recommended to him or her by the Public Safety Medal of Valor Review Board and advise the Governor which candidates, if any, merit the Attorney General’s citation for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty.
(b) The Attorney General shall pay for the production of the medals from existing resources within the Department of Justice.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 553, Sec. 6. (SB 52) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.9 - California Golden Shield Act › Section 3410.

3410. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the California Golden Shield Act.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 462, Sec. 1. (AB 671) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.9 - California Golden Shield Act › Section 3411.

3411. The Governor annually shall award, and present in the name of the State of California, a Golden Shield Award of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to the next of kin of, or immediate family members of, every public safety officer who, while serving in any capacity under competent authority, has been killed in the line of duty in that year.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 462, Sec. 1. (AB 671) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 9.9 - California Golden Shield Act › Section 3412.

3412. For the purposes of this chapter, “public safety officer” means a person serving a public agency, with or without compensation, as a firefighter, law enforcement officer, or emergency services officer. “Law enforcement officer” includes a person who is a corrections or court officer or a civil defense officer.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 462, Sec. 1. (AB 671) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3500.

3500. (a) It is the purpose of this chapter to promote full communication between public employers and their employees by providing a reasonable method of resolving disputes regarding wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment between public employers and public employee organizations. It is also the purpose of this chapter to promote the improvement of personnel management and employer-employee relations within the various public agencies in the State of California by providing a uniform basis for recognizing the right of public employees to join organizations of their own choice and be represented by those organizations in their employment relationships with public agencies. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to supersede the provisions of existing state law and the charters, ordinances, and rules of local public agencies that establish and regulate a merit or civil service system or which provide for other methods of administering employer-employee relations nor is it intended that this chapter be binding upon those public agencies that provide procedures for the administration of employer-employee relations in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. This chapter is intended, instead, to strengthen merit, civil service and other methods of administering employer-employee relations through the establishment of uniform and orderly methods of communication between employees and the public agencies by which they are employed.
(b) The Legislature finds and declares that the duties and responsibilities of local agency employer representatives under this chapter are substantially similar to the duties and responsibilities required under existing collective bargaining enforcement procedures and therefore the costs incurred by the local agency employer representatives in performing those duties and responsibilities under this chapter are not reimbursable as state-mandated costs.
(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 901, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3500.5.

3500.5. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Meyers-Milias-Brown Act.”
(Added by renumbering Section 3510 by Stats. 2000, Ch. 901, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2001.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3501.

3501. As used in this chapter:
(a) “Employee organization” means either of the following:
(1) Any organization that includes employees of a public agency and that has as one of its primary purposes representing those employees in their relations with that public agency.
(2) Any organization that seeks to represent employees of a public agency in their relations with that public agency.
(b) “Recognized employee organization” means an employee organization which has been formally acknowledged by the public agency as an employee organization that represents employees of the public agency.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, “public agency” means every governmental subdivision, every district, every public and quasi-public corporation, every public agency and public service corporation and every town, city, county, city and county and municipal corporation, whether incorporated or not and whether chartered or not. As used in this chapter, “public agency” does not mean a school district or a county board of education or a county superintendent of schools or a personnel commission in a school district having a merit system as provided in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 45100) of Part 25 and Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 88000) of Part 51 of the Education Code or the State of California.
(d) “Public employee” means any person employed by any public agency, including employees of the fire departments and fire services of counties, cities, cities and counties, districts, and other political subdivisions of the state, excepting those persons elected by popular vote or appointed to office by the Governor of this state.
(e) “Mediation” means effort by an impartial third party to assist in reconciling a dispute regarding wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment between representatives of the public agency and the recognized employee organization or recognized employee organizations through interpretation, suggestion and advice.
(f) “Board” means the Public Employment Relations Board established pursuant to Section 3541.
(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 215, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2004.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3501.5.

3501.5. As used in this chapter, “public agency” does not mean a superior court.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 784, Sec. 123. Effective January 1, 2003.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3502.

3502. Except as otherwise provided by the Legislature, public employees shall have the right to form, join, and participate in the activities of employee organizations of their own choosing for the purpose of representation on all matters of employer-employee relations. Public employees also shall have the right to refuse to join or participate in the activities of employee organizations and shall have the right to represent themselves individually in their employment relations with the public agency.
(Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 1964.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3502.1.

3502.1. No public employee shall be subject to punitive action or denied promotion, or threatened with any such treatment, for the exercise of lawful action as an elected, appointed, or recognized representative of any employee bargaining unit.
(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 788, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3503.

3503. Recognized employee organizations shall have the right to represent their members in their employment relations with public agencies. Employee organizations may establish reasonable restrictions regarding who may join and may make reasonable provisions for the dismissal of individuals from membership. Nothing in this section shall prohibit any employee from appearing in his own behalf in his employment relations with the public agency.
(Amended by Stats. 1968, Ch. 1390.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3503.1.

3503.1. If an employee covered by Chapter 9.6 (commencing with Section 3250) holds a conscientious objection described in subdivision (c) of Section 3502.5 or declines membership in the recognized employee organization and requests individual representation in a discipline, grievance, arbitration, or administrative hearing from the recognized employee organization, the recognized employee organization may charge the employee for the reasonable cost of the representation. This section applies only to the above proceedings where the recognized employee organization does not exclusively control the process.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 412, Sec. 1. (AB 2556) Effective January 1, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3504.

3504. The scope of representation shall include all matters relating to employment conditions and employer-employee relations, including, but not limited to, wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment, except, however, that the scope of representation shall not include consideration of the merits, necessity, or organization of any service or activity provided by law or executive order.
(Amended by Stats. 1968, Ch. 1390.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3504.5.

3504.5. (a) Except in cases of emergency as provided in this section, the governing body of a public agency, and boards and commissions designated by law or by the governing body of a public agency, shall give reasonable written notice to each recognized employee organization affected of any ordinance, rule, resolution, or regulation directly relating to matters within the scope of representation proposed to be adopted by the governing body or the designated boards and commissions and shall give the recognized employee organization the opportunity to meet with the governing body or the boards and commissions.
(b) In cases of emergency when the governing body or the designated boards and commissions determine that an ordinance, rule, resolution, or regulation must be adopted immediately without prior notice or meeting with a recognized employee organization, the governing body or the boards and commissions shall provide notice and opportunity to meet at the earliest practicable time following the adoption of the ordinance, rule, resolution, or regulation.
(c) The governing body of a public agency with a population in excess of 4,000,000, or the boards and commissions designated by the governing body of such a public agency shall not discriminate against employees by removing or disqualifying them from a health benefit plan, or otherwise restricting their ability to participate in a health benefit plan, on the basis that the employees have selected or supported a recognized employee organization. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the governing body of a public agency or the board or commission of a public agency and a recognized employee organization from agreeing to health benefit plan enrollment criteria or eligibility limitations.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1041, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003. Applicable from July 1, 2001, pursuant to Sec. 2 of Ch. 1041.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3505.

3505. The governing body of a public agency, or such boards, commissions, administrative officers or other representatives as may be properly designated by law or by such governing body, shall meet and confer in good faith regarding wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment with representatives of such recognized employee organizations, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 3501, and shall consider fully such presentations as are made by the employee organization on behalf of its members prior to arriving at a determination of policy or course of action.
“Meet and confer in good faith” means that a public agency, or such representatives as it may designate, and representatives of recognized employee organizations, shall have the mutual obligation personally to meet and confer promptly upon request by either party and continue for a reasonable period of time in order to exchange freely information, opinions, and proposals, and to endeavor to reach agreement on matters within the scope of representation prior to the adoption by the public agency of its final budget for the ensuing year. The process should include adequate time for the resolution of impasses where specific procedures for such resolution are contained in local rule, regulation, or ordinance, or when such procedures are utilized by mutual consent.
(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1676.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3505.1.

3505.1. If a tentative agreement is reached by the authorized representatives of the public agency and a recognized employee organization or recognized employee organizations, the governing body shall vote to accept or reject the tentative agreement within 30 days of the date it is first considered at a duly noticed public meeting. A decision by the governing body to reject the tentative agreement shall not bar the filing of a charge of unfair practice for failure to meet and confer in good faith. If the governing body adopts the tentative agreement, the parties shall jointly prepare a written memorandum of understanding.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 785, Sec. 1. (AB 537) Effective January 1, 2014.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3505.2.

3505.2. If after a reasonable period of time, representatives of the public agency and the recognized employee organization fail to reach agreement, the public agency and the recognized employee organization or recognized employee organizations together may agree upon the appointment of a mediator mutually agreeable to the parties. Costs of mediation shall be divided one-half to the public agency and one-half to the recognized employee organization or recognized employee organizations.
(Added by Stats. 1968, Ch. 1390.)
2023 California Code › Government Code - GOV › TITLE 1 - GENERAL › DIVISION 4 - PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES › CHAPTER 10 - Local Public Employee Organizations › Section 3505.3.

3505.3. (a) Public agencies shall allow a reasonable number of public agency employee representatives of recognized employee organizations reasonable time off without loss of compensation or other benefits when they are participating in any one of the following activities:
(1) Formally meeting and conferring with representatives of the public agency on matters within the scope of representation.
(2) Testifying or appearing as the designated representative of the employee organization in conferences, hearings, or other proceedings before the board, or an agent thereof, in matters relating to a charge filed by the employee organization against the public agency or by the public agency against the employee organization.
(3) Testifying or appearing as the designated representative of the employee organization in matters before a personnel or merit commission.
(b) The employee organization being represented shall provide reasonable notification to the employer requesting a leave of absence without loss of compensation pursuant to subdivision (a).
(c) For the purposes of this section, “designated representative” means an officer of the employee organization or a member serving in proxy of the employee organization.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 305, Sec. 1. (AB 1181) Effective January 1, 2014.)