BILL NUMBER:  SB 897
  VETOED	DATE: 09/30/2016




To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 897 without my signature.

This bill doubles from one to two years special leave benefits for
police officers, firefighters, or sheriffs who are disabled by a
qualifying catastrophic injury. This leave is required to be provided
at full salary and tax-free, resulting in take home pay that is
higher than pre-injury wages.

I was concerned when told this bill was prompted by a City of
Riverside police officer who nearly lost his health benefits while on
temporary disability. In that case, the City chose to extend the
officer's benefits. Upon closer review, I have not found any other
city which terminates the health benefits of police officers while
they are on temporary disability.

As noted in my veto of AB 1451 last year, this disability leave
benefit drives up costs significantly. Many local agencies are under
significant financial stress. They must consider employee benefit
increases in light of competing demands for critical services and
long term pension and health care debts.

In light of all this, I believe the decision on how to handle cases
such as this is best left to the local jurisdiction.

Sincerely,



Edmund G. Brown Jr.