The bill amends the "Law Enforcement Officer Separation of Service Record Act," renaming it the "Law Enforcement Officer Service Records Act" and reorganizing it into four articles. It introduces new definitions for "law enforcement officer," "separated law enforcement officer," and "separating law enforcement officer," which clarify the roles and statuses of officers in relation to their employment. The bill mandates that former law enforcement agencies create and maintain a separation of service record for each officer who separates from service, detailing the reasons and circumstances of their separation, and requires that this record be finalized within five business days. Additionally, it establishes a process for current agencies to create provisional service records for separating officers, also to be finalized within five business days, ensuring that officers can review and contest the contents of these records.

The bill further outlines guidelines for the disclosure of information and the maintenance of service records, presuming good faith in disclosures by law enforcement agencies unless evidence suggests otherwise. It mandates that prospective employing agencies provide separation or provisional service records to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards upon request. Importantly, the bill clarifies that creating a separation of service record does not exempt an agency from creating a provisional service record if requested by the separating officer, and vice versa. These provisions aim to enhance accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies while providing immunity from civil liability for agencies that disclose information in good faith.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 28.561