Let Civilians Run for Sheriff Again, New California Bill Proposes

The Appeal - "California lawmakers are proposing to overturn a requirement that sheriff candidates have a law enforcement background. If passed, Senate Bill 271 would open up new avenues for change by enabling anyone to run for sheriff, including people who are working to transform policing and criminal justice practices but who are barred from this office.

'Sheriff is one of the most powerful elected offices,' said state Senator Scott Wiener, who sponsored the bill, which was introduced Thursday. 'For 139 years, from 1850 to 1989, anyone could run for sheriff and the people could select who they wanted to hold this very powerful and impactful position.'”