Sen. Menjivar’s SB 938 narrowed to require basic POST training; committee concurs with amendments 5–1

Sen. Menjivar presented SB 938 to the Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and described changes that narrow the bill from its earlier form. "This bill originally was asking for a complete outright ban of those who participated in immigration enforcement post 01/01/2025," she said, adding that the date and outright ban were removed and the measure now addresses lateral-waiver policy.

The author told the committee the amended language focuses on lateral waivers — including the basic training waiver and specialized training waiver — so that officers who move from other agencies would not be eligible to bypass the basic-course requirement. "They now have to take the basic course at post," Sen. Menjivar said, arguing the requirement would "ensure that they all undergo the same rigorous training that is expected of our local law enforcement."

Not all members supported the shift. Sen. Caballero thanked the author and indicated she would make the motion to concur in the Assembly amendments. Another committee member objected, saying the bill risks interfering with local law-enforcement recruitment and training decisions and that local chiefs are best placed to determine a candidate's readiness; that speaker said, "I will not be supporting the bill still." The committee heard no witnesses during the public-comment check.

After a short recess to establish a quorum, the committee reconvened, called the roll and voted on the motion that the Assembly amendments be concurred in. The motion, moved by Sen. Caballero, carried by a vote of 5–1. The committee completed its agenda and adjourned.

The transcript records the bill as SB 938 and references Senate Rule 29 in announcing the item. The committee’s action today was limited to concurring in Assembly amendments; the record does not show further amendments or final enactment steps in this hearing.