This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding the termination and probationary status of law enforcement officers. Under the new provisions, an employer may not terminate a law enforcement officer who is promoted above their current rank and placed on probationary status for failing to satisfactorily complete the probationary period, but may demote the officer instead. Additionally, an employer retains the authority to terminate a law enforcement officer at any time with just cause. Furthermore, the bill specifies that the provisions do not apply to police recruits who are promoted to law enforcement officers after graduating from their training academy, allowing for their termination if they fail to complete the initial probationary period. The bill also clarifies that an employer may terminate a law enforcement officer who is laterally transferred and on an initial probationary period if they do not satisfactorily complete that period. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for the employment status of law enforcement personnel while ensuring that just cause remains a critical factor in disciplinary actions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the protections for law enforcement officers during their probationary periods while maintaining the employer's ability to manage personnel effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 38-1104
Senate Engrossed Version: 38-1104
House Engrossed Version: 38-1104
Chaptered Version: 38-1104