The bill amends Section 19-5109 of the Idaho Code, focusing on the certification process for peace officers and the criteria for rejecting applicants based on their criminal history. It specifies that the council shall reject any applicant who has been convicted of any felony that could result in imprisonment, as well as misdemeanors. The bill also clarifies that the council may reject applicants with felony convictions that have been set aside, expunged, or pardoned, or reduced to a misdemeanor. Additionally, it defines "convicted" to include various legal outcomes, emphasizing that the nature of the judgment does not affect the rejection criteria.

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 significant criminal backgrounds are not eligible for certification, thereby promoting public safety and trust in law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 19-5109