BILL ANALYSIS
Bill No: SB
828
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
Senator Dean Florez, Chair
2007-2008 Regular Session
Staff Analysis
SB 828 Author: Padilla
As Amended: April 16, 2007
Hearing Date: April 24, 2007
Consultant: Art Terzakis
SUBJECT
State Fire Marshal: arson dogs
DESCRIPTION
SB 828 requires the State Fire Marshal (SFM), with guidance
and advice from the State Board of Fire Services, to adopt
regulations establishing standards for arson dogs and their
handlers, based on those set forth in the publication
entitled "Accelerant Detection K-9 Team Standards" issued
in January 2007, by the California State Firefighters
Association.
EXISTING LAW
Existing law requires peace officer and civilian drug
detection canine trainers working under the direction of a
law enforcement agency to follow specified protocols of
behavior.
The State Fire Marshal (SFM) is responsible for approving
regulations and developing building standards that promote
fire and life safety for inclusion into Title 24,
California Code of Regulations (e.g., Building Code, Fire
Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing and
Historical Building Code, etc.). In addition to the
building standards adopted by the SFM in Title 24, SFM is
responsible for other regulations contained in Title 19,
SB 828 (Padilla) continued
Page 2
California Code of Regulations. These regulations govern
fire and panic safety, including fire protection systems in
all buildings, fireworks, flammable fabric standards, flame
retardant chemicals, explosives, gasoline vapor control
systems, and hazardous liquid pipeline safety.
BACKGROUND
History of the Fire Service Dog: The use of dogs in the
fire service dates back to the 18th century when horses
were used to pull steam pumpers. Dalmatians were used to
keep the horses company in their stables and to keep them
calm at fire scenes until their role diminished into that
of a mascot. Today, man's best friend is playing another
important role in the fire service, namely to assist fire
investigators in locating evidence of ignitable liquids or
accelerants such as petrol, kerosene, diesel fuel, etc.
Dogs have also been used successfully for some time in drug
and bomb detection.
A training program initiated in the mid 1980's, as a joint
effort between the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms (BATF) and the Connecticut State Police (CSP),
proved to be an unmitigated success when the capability of
a Labrador retriever, used by the CSP, to detect the odor
of accelerants, exceeded any expectations. The success of
that particular training program resulted in the
establishment of various federal, state, local and private
K-9 training programs.
SB 828 (Padilla): This measure would require the SFM, with
guidance and advice from the State Board of Fire Services,
to adopt regulations establishing standards for arson dogs
and their handlers that are based on those set forth in the
publication entitled "Accelerant Detection K-9 Standards"
issued January 2007 by the California State Firefighters
Association (CSFA).
CSFA Accelerant Detection K-9 Team Standards January 2007:
In September 2006, the CSFA established an Accelerant
Detection K-9 advisory group for the purpose of developing
acceptable standards for the working Accelerated Detection
K-9's in the State of California. The group looked at
several areas relevant to the K-9 program including but not
limited to, department selection, handler selection and
evaluation, canine selection, fire scene search practices,
SB 828 (Padilla) continued
Page 3
blind odor recognition testing, field searches, people
searches, and the law, in general, as it pertains to the
utilization of K-9's. The standards developed by the
working group are intended to assist fire and police
agencies that utilize K-9 teams.
Federal Legislation: H.R. 659, the "Canine Detection
Improvement Act of 2007" - this legislation addresses the
need for improved and coordinated training, encourages the
use of domestic dogs and confronts the need for more dogs
by establishing a "Domestic Canine Breeding Grant Program"
to increase canine numbers through both public and private
means. H.R. 659 also proposes to create a canine team
accreditation board to ensure proper certification
standards and to prevent fraud and abuse.
SUPPORT: As of April 19, 2007:
California State Firefighters Association (sponsor)
California Fire Chiefs Association
North American Police Work Dog Association
California Narcotic Canine Association
OPPOSE: None on file as of April 19, 2007.
FISCAL COMMITTEE: Senate Appropriations Committee
**********