New federal legislation to target illegal bio-labs

REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Valley Congressman Jim Costa unveiled new federal legislation Thursday to improve training for building code enforcement officers.

It comes after the discovery of an illegal bio-lab in Reedley.

The new bill would 'make grants to local governments for the training of local law enforcement officers on public health threats arising from violations of building codes, and for other purposes.'

In December 2022, Reedley senior code enforcement officer, Jesalyn Harper, found a green garden hose on a warehouse.

"For me, I had no training previously before this on any warning signs on what a bio safety lab was, what would be in a bio safety lab," said Harper.

Harper and other officials soon discovered the building had infectious agents from chlamydia to hepatitis, nearly a thousand mice, refrigerators with blood and serum and medical waste.

Congressman Costa says the legislation would ensure that those in a position like Harper, now have the resources to take action.

"It's important that we protect public health and safety, that the Federal Government ensures that there are standards and that those standards can be enforced, and that we provide proper training through the grant process that this legislation would provide, so that communities have the tools necessary to protect public health and safety," said Representative Costa.

Harper adding this would help local jurisdictions be able to reach out to federal authorities quicker.

"We were very lucky that when I went into the building everything was being contained, there was no exposure at that point of time. We don't want to risk that again, so we want to make sure that everyone understands, what do they need to look for, when do they need to leave and call someone with more experience," said Harper.

Reedley City Manager Nicole Zieba says its gratifying to see a small rural town, helping create bi-partisan laws that will make a difference.

"Now a year later we are able to see that legislation is being introduced that will protect the entire country, and so as city manager it feels good to be in this seat right now, it didn't feel good a year ago when we were going through this, but now looking back I can see that it all had a purpose and a good is coming to the nation because of this," said Zieba.

Thursday's legislation is in addition to the "Preventing illegal laboratories bill," introduced by Congressman Costa in April. If passed, both together would address federal loopholes pertaining to illegal biolabs.

As far as the warehouse goes, there's still some embargoed pregnancy test that need to be destroyed by the state.

Stay with ABC30 for the latest details on this developing story.

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