WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) to introduce the Safety Training for Officers on Public (STOP) Health Threats Act. This bipartisan bill equips local law enforcement with the tools and training necessary to recognize and respond to public health threats arising from building code violations. This includes illegal and unsafe facilities like the biological lab discovered in Reedley, California in 2023.

“Keeping our communities safe means making sure local law enforcement has the tools required to quickly identify serious public health threats,” said Congressman Valadao. “The STOP Health Threats Act takes important steps to help officers recognize dangerous situations—like the illegal Reedley lab—before they put their lives at risk. I’m proud to join Rep. Costa in introducing this bipartisan bill to strengthen public safety and protect our families.”

“When dangerous, unregulated labs can operate undetected in small towns like Reedley, it’s not just a local issue—it’s a national public health risk,” said Rep. Costa. “This isn’t just about one lab; it’s about making sure no town has to face a threat like this alone. The STOP Health Threats Act gives law enforcement the training they need to identify these risks and act swiftly. It’s about prevention, safety, and making sure every officer has the tools to protect their community.”

Background:

In 2023, code enforcement officer Jessalyn Harper uncovered an illegal lab in Reedley, CA. This lab was storing hazardous biological materials in violation of numerous building and health codes, contained infectious agents like COVID-19 and HIV, and was operating without oversight—posing a significant threat to public health.

Across the country, unsafe, unregulated, and unsanitary buildings and materials often go unchecked due to limited specialized training for law enforcement, especially in rural areas with limited resources. These unchecked violations can trigger disease outbreaks and long-term health risks.

The STOP Health Threats Act would:

• Empower local governments by directing the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants for training law enforcement officers to recognize and respond to public health threats caused by building code violations.
• Promote collaboration with public health departments and nonprofits.
• Support the development of tailored training programs.
• Prioritize funding for communities where serious threats have been identified.

Read the full bill here.

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