Cal. PEN § 13681

This is the official text of Cal. PEN § 13681, part of California’s Penal Code — defines crimes and sets criminal procedure in California.

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Official statutory text

(a) Any background investigation of a candidate for a peace officer position shall include an inquiry into whether the candidate has engaged or is engaging in membership in a hate group, participation in any hate group activity or advocacy of public expressions of hate.

(b) The hiring agency shall deny employment to a candidate for a peace officer position if, during a preemployment background it is determined that in the past 7 years and since 18 years of age, the candidate has engaged in membership in a hate group, participation in any hate group activity, or advocacy of public expressions of hate.

(c) A candidate for a peace officer position shall not be ineligible to be hired pursuant to this section if the candidate has ceased all activities described in subdivision (a) and at least 7 years has passed since the last such activity.

Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site

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