CA AB1839

Establishes the Law Enforcement Officer Grant Program administered by the Student Aid Commission to provide up to $6,000 per year in grants to community college students enrolled in modern policing degree programs who commit to working as peace officers for 4 years.

Grant recipients must repay 25 percent of funds annually for each year they fail to complete their degree, maintain good academic standing, or fulfill the 4-year service commitment, with exceptions for medical leave, military service, or agency financial circumstances.

Requires the Chancellor's office to develop educational materials for high school counselors (grades 9-12) informing students about the modern policing degree program, grant program, and hiring bonuses, with targeted outreach to underserved and disadvantaged communities.

Directs the Board of State and Community Corrections to award grants to significantly understaffed local law enforcement agencies beginning January 1, 2026, to provide hiring bonuses of up to $15,000 per newly hired peace officer who agrees to work for the agency for at least 4 years.

Hiring bonus recipients must repay 25 percent of funds annually if they fail to maintain employment at an understaffed agency for 4 years or lose peace officer certification, with similar exceptions for medical leave, military service, or employer financial circumstances.