Rep. Jim Costa’s Bill Empowers Local Officials to Stop Public Health Threats

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the Safety Training for Officers on Public Health Threats Act (STOP Health Threats Act), bipartisan legislation to equip local law enforcement officers with the tools and training they need to recognize and respond to public health threats arising from building code violations, including illegal and unsafe facilities like the biological lab discovered in Reedley, California in 2023.

Costa has been leading the charge to prevent future incidents like Reedley by pushing for better oversight and inter-agency coordination. 

"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 Congressman Jim 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."

“Keeping our communities safe means making sure local law enforcement has the tools required to quickly identify serious public health threats,” said Congressman Valadao, Co-Sponsor of the bill. “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.”

“As a small rural City, we are often under-resourced, and yet we have to deal with some of the same threats and complexities in larger urban cities.  Criminals and those who wish to hide their activities will often choose smaller cities precisely because they believe their deeds will go unnoticed since there are fewer staff and resources to source out and investigate issues.  The STOP Health Threats Act will provide a training lifeline for rural cities, ensuring that Code Enforcement Officers and Inspectors have the knowledge and tools to protect Americans from biological and similar threats that might otherwise go undetected,” said Nicole Zieba, City Manager of Reedley.

"Code enforcement officers play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities by ensuring buildings and facilities adhere to safety standards,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer John Belcik. “The International Code Council commends Congressman Costa for introducing the STOP Health Threats Act, which would augment training for these public servants to ensure they are best equipped to identify and mitigate public health threats arising from building code violations."

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

Nationwide, unsafe buildings, unregulated materials, and poor sanitation 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 empowers local governments by directing the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants for training code enforcement officers to recognize and respond to public health threats caused by building code violations. The bill promotes collaboration with public health departments and nonprofits, supports the development of tailored training programs, and prioritizes funding for communities like Reedley, where serious threats have been identified.

View the text of the bill HERE.