Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would equip local law enforcement officers with the tools and training necessary to recognize and respond to public health threats arising from building code violations.
The Safety Training for Officers on Public Health Threats Act (STOP Health Threats Act) would direct the Health and Human Services secretary to award training code enforcement officers grants that would be used to fund a response to public health threats caused by building code violations.
The bill prioritizes funding for communities where serious threats have been identified, supports the development of tailored training programs, and promotes collaboration with public health departments and nonprofit organizations.
“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,” U.S. Rep. Jim Costa (R-CA), who co-sponsored the bill, said. “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.”
An illegal lab was discovered in 2023 in Reedley, Calif., that contained infectious diseases and violated numerous building and health codes.