SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assembly Bill 1299 has cleared by successfully passing out of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 1299, written by Assemblymember Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield, is a law enforcement reform effort that will help prevent local departments from hiring problematic officers who have a history of serious misconduct.

The bill passed with unanimous, bipartisan support.

"Our local police departments need more information about who they are hiring to ensure that we are protected by individuals who will properly serve our communities," said Assemblymember Salas. "AB 1299 will provide investigative background information to police departments when they are making hiring decisions. It is unacceptable that some officers are able to hide their past and are not held accountable. By creating more transparency, AB 1299 will help our law enforcement agencies make more informed decisions and root out bad cops with histories of misconduct."

Last year, the City of McFarland hired at least 13 officers who had trouble at other agencies.

When an officer resigns in lieu of termination, their investigation usually stops and never concludes.

This practice allows such officers to make lateral moves and apply to work at a different agency.

AB 1299 will next be heard on the Senate Floor.