SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) announced the passage of AB 272, by a vote of 6-0, from the Senate Public Safety Committee. AB 272 expands an existing classification of deputy sheriffs to Inyo, Kings and Tulare Counties that will afford these counties needed flexibility to operate their custodial facilities.

“This bill is very important because it will give the counties involved much more flexibility in the way they run their custodial facilities,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “Seventeen other countries have access to this classification and I believe Inyo, Kings and Tulare Counties should have the same access.”

Sparsely-populated counties such as Inyo, Kings and Tulare will be able to use this new classification of deputies to more efficiently and effectively staff custodial facilities and allow other deputies greater patrol and response times throughout the county. AB 272 brings Inyo, Kings, and Tulare Counties into line with the 17 other counties in the state who are currently taking advantage of this classification.

AB 272 is supported by the California State Sheriffs’ Association; the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs; the Inyo County Board of Supervisors; and Inyo County Sheriff Dan Lucas.

AB 272 now heads to the Senate Floor for further consideration.