BILL NUMBER:  AB 172
  VETOED	DATE: 10/10/2015




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 172 without my signature.

This bill would increase from six months to one year in county jail
the maximum punishment for assault or battery of a healthcare worker
inside an emergency department.

Emergency rooms are overcrowded and often chaotic. I have great
respect for the work done by emergency room staff and I recognize the
daunting challenges they face every day. If there were evidence that
an additional six months in county jail (three months, once
good-time credits are applied) would enhance the safety of these
workers or serve as a deterrent, I would sign this bill. I doubt that
it would do either.

We need to find more creative ways to protect the safety of these
critical workers. This bill isn't the answer.

Sincerely,



Edmund G. Brown Jr.