Legislative Leadership Award
Russ Bogh
Former Assemblyman, 65th District
Russ Bogh served the citizens of the 65th Assembly District, which includes parts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, from April 2001 through November 2006. During his term in office, Russ authored and co-authored numerous pieces of legislation that has greatly benefited and protected the rights of law enforcement throughout the state of California. Of particular note are: AB 1982 (Disability for law enforcement officers). This bill requires that officers injured on duty will begin collecting their disability allowance within 30 days of their last paycheck as long as a physician has examined the officer. There is AB 91 (Injury to a Peace Officer). This bill creates a minimum penalty for a person who resists arrest or obstructs an officer and in doing so, results in an injury to the officer. Another is AB 1526 (Special Death Benefits). This bill provided for an increase in special death benefits for spouses corresponding with salary increases for the position that a slain officer or firefighter held at the time of his death, until such time as the officer or firefighter would have reached 50 years of age.
Other bills include AB 133, a bill allowing Riverside County Coroners to receive safety retirement as they were already wearing deputy sheriff’s uniforms with badges, required to be armed and subject to calls for assistance. AB 331, Prohibiting state funds from being spent on travel to Mexico for any government officials until Mexico begins to allow extradition of criminals to California, such as the suspect in the murder of Deputy David March. AB 4, a “Three Strikes Law for DUI Offenders,” that would permanently revoke a person’s driver’s license upon their third DUI conviction. This bill was introduced on the same day that Susanna Rey was killed by a five-time DUI offender. There is AB 221, which eliminated early release credits for violent sex offenders.
The listed samples are only a few of the public safety bills that Russ was instrumental in passing. To continue on with the rest of the bills that Russ Bogh authored or co-authored would take up the remainder of the evening. [Should be taken out.]
For his work in addressing and supporting many of the most important public safety issues in the state of California, the Golden Badge Foundation is honored to present its Legislator of the Year Award to former Assemblyman Russ Bogh.
