Assembly approves AB 2004 to allow counties to designate certain correctional officers as peace officers

The California State Assembly passed AB 2004 on Jan. 20, 2026. Assemblymember Alaniz presented the bill as a measure that would expand the list of counties authorized to designate county correctional officers as peace officers, adding Fresno and San Joaquin counties to the existing list.

"AB 2,004 is a common sense bill that expands the list of counties authorized to designate county correctional officers as peace officers," Assemblymember Alaniz said on the floor, describing benefits such as enhanced training, access to public-safety procedural protections, presumptive work-related injury protections, and eligibility for inclusion on the Peace Officer Memorial Wall.

Assemblymember Tongypo rose in support and delivered a personal tribute to Officer Scanlon (referred to as "Towa" during remarks), recounting how Scanlon confronted an armed intruder in a county jail in 2016, was critically injured, and later died from those injuries; Tongypo framed the bill as an appropriate recognition for that service. Alaniz said the bill "does not mandate any changes" and is an authorization for local choice.

The clerk opened the roll and the presiding officer announced the clerk's tally and declared the measure passed.

Why it matters: The bill allows local counties to opt in to the peace-officer designation, which can affect training access, employment protections, memorial recognition and benefit eligibility for correctional staff. Supporters pointed to a specific case to illustrate the gap the bill addresses.

Next steps: The Assembly voted to pass AB 2004 on the floor; the bill will continue through subsequent legislative steps as required by law.