The bill amends Iowa law concerning the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council, particularly in relation to the certification, revocation, and suspension of law enforcement officers and reserve peace officers. Key changes include reducing the number of required resident members on the council from three to one, while also adding a member from the Iowa Fraternal Order of Police and a peace officer from a regents institution. The bill modifies the population thresholds for police officer representation on the council from cities with populations of fifty thousand to twenty-five thousand. It introduces new provisions that allow the council to receive and investigate complaints regarding law enforcement training compliance and to mandate corrective actions. Additionally, it establishes specific grounds for revocation or suspension of certifications, including offenses related to controlled substances, domestic violence, and sex offenses.

Further amendments clarify the notification process for employment terminations, ensuring that circumstances are clearly outlined and that confidentiality of related records is maintained. The bill also details the burden of proof in contested cases, grants the attorney general authority to dismiss cases, and outlines the process for reinstating certifications after suspension. Officers who prevail in contested cases are allowed to seek reimbursement for legal fees. The new legal language specifies that the provision of incident reports and recordings to officers does not constitute a public records disclosure and mandates timely access to relevant documentation prior to interviews. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and includes retroactive applicability for certain sections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 80B.6, 80B.11, 80B.13, 80B.13A, 80F.1