This bill amends Section 19-5109 of the Idaho Code, which governs the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. The key change is the establishment 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 have resulted in imprisonment, as well as those convicted of 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, and it defines "convicted" to include various legal outcomes that indicate guilt.

Additionally, the bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately on July 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to enhance the standards for peace officer certification in Idaho, 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