PPOA Legislative Priorities: Turning Efforts Into Results

Our proud organization has the honor of representing thousands of our dedicated members. For nearly eight decades, PPOA has fought to protect the rights, safety and well-being of our members through smart, effective legislation. Thanks to the tireless work of our full-time lobbyists in Sacramento and our committed Legislative Committee, hundreds of laws have been passed that directly benefit PPOA members.

In addition to my role as PPOA president, I serve as the second vice president of the California Fraternal Order of Police. This position gives our union a seat at important state and national tables, ensuring that the voices of PPOA members are heard well beyond Los Angeles County. I want to share a few key legislative priorities that demonstrate our union’s commitment to protecting your rights and safety.

Local and County Focus: Binding Arbitration

On March 17, PPOA representatives joined fellow public safety union officials at the weekly Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting. I’m pleased to report the supervisors voted to continue moving forward with a motion for binding arbitration, bringing us one step closer to placing this measure on the ballot for L.A. County voters in November.

Binding arbitration gives an independent arbitrator the authority to determine fair compensation for our members. Our members face dangerous work every day. They deserve fair pay, proper benefits and adequate staffing to do their jobs safely. Binding arbitration ensures they receive just treatment while keeping the public protected.

Binding arbitration helps create a fair negotiation process that keeps politics out of the discussion. Most importantly, it ensures that public safety employees have a fair path to the compensation they deserve.

State-Level Focus: AB 847

At the state level, PPOA is actively engaged with Assembly Bill 847, which was signed into law in October 2025 and went into effect on January 1 of this year. This law allows civilian law enforcement oversight boards and county inspectors general to access certain confidential personnel records of peace officers. While L.A. County may argue that this effort strengthens oversight while maintaining accountability, PPOA conversely argues that the privacy protections afforded to released confidential materials may be adversely impacted.

Initially, some members of the Civilian Oversight Commission believed meet-and-confer discussions were not required under AB 847. After legal analysis, that view was reversed. PPOA is now actively meeting and conferring with the County to ensure that our members’ legal protections, including rights under Lybarger and POBR, are fully respected. I personally met with the office of Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (the author of this bill) on March 4 and received assurances that the bill’s spirit and intent include these protections. During this visit, PPOA Board directors and I also met with numerous members of the California Assembly and Senate.

 

National Focus: Protecting Our Officers and Supporting First Responders

In February of this year, I went to Washington, D.C., with a contingent of FOP representatives, where we met with more than a dozen members of Congress. We discussed several legislative initiatives that impact our profession.

One of the initiatives we proudly endorsed was the Protect and Serve Act. With ambush-style attacks on law enforcement rising, this law would create a federal offense for those who deliberately target officers. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in 2024, 342 officers were shot in the line of duty, 50 of whom were killed. In 2025, 347 officers were shot, with 45 fatalities. The legislation has strong bipartisan support and addresses a critical threat to public safety professionals.

Another national priority is the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2025, also known as the HELPER Act. This legislation helps first responders, including law enforcement officers, obtain first-time home loans with no down payment. Modeled after the VA home loan program (which was very helpful to me as a military veteran), it gives our members the ability to live closer to work, reducing commute times and improving overall quality of life.

Conclusion

PPOA’s legislative efforts — from local initiatives like binding arbitration to state laws such as AB 847 and national programs like the Protect and Serve Act and the HELPER Act — demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting our members. We fight not only for fair pay and working conditions but also for the safety, rights and dignity of every member.

For nearly 75 years, PPOA has proven that a strong union is a powerful voice. As your president, I promise to continue leading with courage, compassion and dedication, ensuring that those who protect our communities are always protected in return.