BILL NUMBER: SB 1534	CHAPTERED  09/30/08

	CHAPTER  595
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
	PASSED THE SENATE  APRIL 17, 2008
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  JULY 15, 2008
	AMENDED IN SENATE  MARCH 24, 2008

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Battin

                        FEBRUARY 22, 2008

   An act to amend Section 648 of the Military and Veterans Code,
relating to veterans.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1534, Battin. Veterans: military decorations.
   Existing law provides that officers, warrant officers, and
enlisted men and women may wear specified military decorations in
accordance with state and federal law.
   This bill would additionally allow uniformed public safety
personnel to wear specified military decorations during the business
week prior to Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the day of Veterans Day
and Memorial Day, and the business day immediately following Veterans
Day and Memorial Day, subject to specified conditions.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 648 of the Military and Veterans Code is
amended to read:
   648.  (a) Except as provided by subdivision (b), decorations
authorized by this code and decorations, medals, badges, ribbons, and
insignia authorized by the laws or regulations of the United States
pertaining to the National Guard, Air National Guard, and Naval
Militia may be worn by officers, warrant officers, and enlisted men
and women in accordance with the code, laws, or regulations. However,
decorations awarded by other states and territories of the United
States may be worn, but shall be subordinated to those issued by
federal and state laws or regulations. No other decorations, medals,
badges, ribbons, or insignia may be worn. A violation of this section
shall constitute a misdemeanor.
   (b) Decorations authorized by this code and decorations or medals
from the Armed Forces of the United States, the California National
Guard, State Military Reserve, or Naval Militia, or any service
medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, may be worn
by uniformed public safety personnel in accordance with the code,
laws, or regulations, during the business week prior to Veterans Day
and Memorial Day, the day of Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and the
business day immediately following Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The
employer of the uniformed public safety personnel shall retain the
right to prohibit the wearing of military decorations pursuant to
this subdivision if the employer determines that wearing the military
decorations poses a safety hazard to the uniformed public safety
personnel or to the public.