Assembly Bill (AB) 481:
Military Equipment
Funding, Acquisition and Use
Captain Hank Syu, Department of Public Safety
April 5, 2022
2City of Sunnyvale – AB 481 Military Equipment – April 2022 • September 30, 2021 – Gov. Newsom signed several police reform bills into law.
• Assembly Bill 481: Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition and Use.
Increase transparency, accountability, oversight for the acquisition and use of military equipment.
Protect the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights and liberties. Broad definition of “military equipment” beyond equipment acquired from military surplus programs.
Background
Assembly Bill (AB) 481
3City of Sunnyvale – AB 481 Military Equipment – April 2022 • Inventory and develop a draft military equipment use policy by May 1, 2022 • Post policy on the City website 30 days in advance.
• Seek City Council approval of policy by ordinance.
• Every year thereafter, prepare an annual report to include:
Summary of use and deployment
Complaints received
Total annual cost
Community engagement
• 1st annual report is planned for May 2023
Requirements
Assembly Bill (AB) 481
4City of Sunnyvale – AB 481 Military Equipment – April 2022 • Alternative 1: Introduce an Ordinance Approving and
Adopting a Public Safety Military Equipment Use
Policy
Recommendation
Assembly Bill (AB) 481