This bill amends Section 19-5109 of the Idaho Code, which governs the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. The key change is the introduction of stricter criteria for the rejection of applicants seeking certification as peace officers. Specifically, the council is mandated to reject any applicant who has been convicted of any felony that could result in imprisonment, as well as misdemeanors. The bill clarifies that this includes felonies that have been set aside, expunged, pardoned, or reduced to a misdemeanor, and it defines "convicted" to encompass various legal outcomes, including pleas or findings of guilt, regardless of subsequent legal actions.

Additionally, the bill declares an emergency, stating that it will take effect on July 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to enhance the standards for peace officer certification in Idaho by ensuring that individuals with certain criminal histories are not eligible for certification, thereby promoting public safety and trust in law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 19-5109