An act to add Section 13519.65 to the Penal Code, relating to peace officers.
Summary
AB 2347 would add Penal Code Section 13519.65 to require the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to take a closer look at hate crime training for peace officers. Starting January 1, 2027, POST would have to conduct a comprehensive review of existing hate crime training programs, including those used for officers in the basic academy and those already employed as peace officers. The review must be finished by January 1, 2028.
The required review would examine three main areas: disparities in hate crime data collection, the effectiveness of law enforcement’s response to hate crimes, and how well current POST hate crime trainings are working. After identifying gaps, POST would have to adopt evidence-based training requirements by July 1, 2028 to improve the prevention, identification, and investigation of hate crimes. The bill defines “hate crime” by reference to existing Penal Code Section 422.55.
Impact
The bill would not change the definition of hate crime, but it would expand POST’s statutory duties by requiring a formal review of current training programs and the adoption of evidence-based training standards. It would affect peace officers, POST, and law enforcement training programs statewide, including basic academy instruction and in-service training related to hate crimes. The measure is keyed as a non-appropriation bill with fiscal committee implications, indicating possible administrative costs for POST to conduct the review and update training requirements.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable treatment of the bill. It received a 9-0 do pass vote in committee and was recommended for the consent calendar, which typically reflects broad support and limited opposition. At the same time, the bill was initially held under submission, suggesting it may have been reviewed for fiscal or policy considerations before moving forward.
Contention
No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded debate over specific policy objections. Based on the bill text, the most likely areas of concern would be the scope of POST’s review, the administrative burden of evaluating data collection and training effectiveness, and the requirement to adopt evidence-based standards on a fixed timeline. Any contention would likely center on implementation details rather than the underlying goal of improving hate crime response and training.
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 9.1-102 and 18.2-422 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 8.01-42.7 and by adding in Chapter 7.1 of Title 19.2 a section numbered 19.2-83.6:1, relating to law-enforcement officers; restrictions on wearing of facial coverings; exceptions; civil liability; penalty.