The bill amends various sections of Alaska law to establish accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies. It introduces new provisions that require law enforcement agencies, including municipal police departments and Alaska state trooper posts, to obtain and maintain accreditation based on minimum standards and practices set by the council. These standards will cover various aspects of law enforcement operations, such as the use of force, bias-based policing, and the handling of complaints against officers. The council is tasked with creating three tiers of accreditation, with the first tier aimed at enhancing service delivery and public confidence, while the higher tiers will impose more stringent requirements.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing legal language regarding actionable claims against the state and municipalities, specifically addressing claims related to law enforcement agencies' adherence to accreditation standards. It specifies that claims cannot be brought against the state or municipalities for actions related to the exercise or failure to exercise accreditation standards. The bill also provides a transition period until January 1, 2027, for law enforcement agencies to achieve the first tier of accreditation, ensuring that agencies have adequate time to comply with the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
SB0053A, AM SB 53, introduced 01/22/2025: 09.50.250, 44.77.040, 36.30.560, 36.30.695, 36.30.685, 18.15.355, 18.15.395, 18.15.385, 33.05.020, U.S.C, 44.41.020, 18.65.228, 09.65.070, 29.71.070, 18.65.220, 18.65.130, 18.65.290, 18.65.230, 18.65.240, 18.65.227