SB 776 Summary

• Requires disclosure of peace officer personnel records relating to discharge of firearms, use of force resulting in death or great bodily injury, sexual assault, dishonesty, discrimination, unlawful arrests, and unlawful searches, with most provisions effective July 1, 2021.

• Mandates records be provided within 45 days of request with civil fines up to $1,000 per day for delays beyond 30 days, and allows successful plaintiffs to recover twice their reasonable costs and attorney's fees.

• Requires retention of all complaints related to sustained findings of misconduct for at least 30 years instead of 5 years, including complaints already in agency possession.

• Permits temporary withholding of records during active criminal or administrative investigations up to 180 days, with specific written justifications and estimated disclosure dates required.

• Requires peace officer hiring agencies to review prior misconduct records before employment and mandates officers immediately report all uses of force to their department or agency.