Counties like Santa Clara, Los Angeles and San Francisco have had similar laws on their books for some time. Susan Fahey with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department says the Trust Act creates a state-wide policy, while allowing local agencies to maintain stricter standards.
“We can only detain someone if they’ve been convicted of a violent felony seven years immediately prior to the detainer and are currently being held to answer on a current violent felony,” she says.
The Trust Act allows for undocumented arrestees who have violent records to be held for possible deportation. The law was introduced as a reaction to the federal “Secure Communities” program. Critics said mostly low level offenders were being deported under that program.
The California Sheriffs’ Association opposed the Trust Act, saying it could complicate cooperation between local and federal agencies.
More New Laws
California Minimum Wage Rising To $9 Per Hour
July 1, 2014(AP) -- California's minimum wage is rising to $9 per hour, providing workers with the first increase since 2008.
California State Employees Receive Pay Raises Starting July 1
June 30, 2014California state employees will be getting the first pay raise many of them have had in years starting Tuesday.
California's Paid Family Leave Program Expansion Starts July 1
June 27, 2014A law that extends California’s paid family leave benefit to people caring for grandchildren, grandparents, siblings and in-laws will go into effect July 1. The original law took effect on the same day 10 years ago.
Capitol Roundup: New Sentencing Ballot Measure, State Help For Food Industry
June 26, 2014California voters will decide this fall whether some low-level drug and theft offenses should be tried as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Meanwhile, the Legislature and Board of Equalization are pushing policies to help the food industry.
New Workplace Protections for Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Abuse Victims
January 6, 2014Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking in California no longer have to worry about being fired or discriminated against at their workplace under a new state law now in effect.
See All New Laws
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