A presentation before the Fresno County Board of Supervisors in August 2023 shows images of the Universal Meditech location in Fresno.

Rep. Jim Costa announced the introduction of the Safety Training for Officers on Public Health Threats Act (STOP Health Threats Act) Wednesday, bipartisan legislation he said is aimed at equipping law enforcement personnel with necessary tools and training to assist in public health threats.

The bill, aimed at keeping communities and first responders safe, is part of a goal that Costa has been working towards in order to prevent future incidents like the 2023 Reedley bio lab incident, in which an illegal biological laboratory in Reedley was discovered violating multiple health and safety codes.

The lab, which was discovered to contain hazardous biological materials and infectious agents, including COVID-19 and HIV strains, was operating with no oversight and posed a significant threat to public health and safety.

Rep. David Valadao voiced his support for the act as the first step to help officers recognize dangerous situations, highlighting the importance of community-first responders.

“Keeping our communities safe means making sure local law enforcement has the tools required to quickly identify serious public health threats,” Valadao said. “I’m proud to join Rep. Costa in introducing this bipartisan bill to strengthen public safety and protect our families.”

Reedley City Manager Nicole Zieba praised the act for its goal of providing training for rural cities, emphasizing the importance of code enforcement officers’ and inspectors’ roles in maintaining community health.

The Reedley bio lab was uncovered in 2023 by a code enforcement officer, Jessalyn Harper.

Nationwide, unsafe buildings, unregulated materials and poor sanitation cause potentially dangerous disease outbreaks and long-term health risks if they go unchecked; the illegal Reedley bio lab also contained infectious agents.

“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,” Costa said. “This isn’t just about one lab; it’s about making sure no town has to face a threat like this alone.