SPONSOR: Murray
This bill clarifies that civilian oversight boards operating within their authority will not be deemed in violation of law enforcement officers' due process rights if the officers are afforded notice, representation, and the opportunity to respond to the boards' findings prior to receiving any disciplinary action.
Currently, civilian review boards or similar entities have power limited solely to receiving, investigating, making findings and recommending disciplinary actions against law enforcement officers. Under this bill, boards or similar entities have the same power but it is not limited to the described power. The boards and similar entities will have additional powers, specified in the bill. The bill also requires a civilian review board or similar entity to publish a report every year by January 1st of each year that contains the information required under the bill.
This bill provides protection from retaliation, demotion, suspension, or discharge to any law enforcement officer, city or county employee, or member of the public who provides testimony to a civilian oversight board or a similar entity.
The bill allows any city operating under a home-rule charter to retain authority to define the structure and jurisdiction over a civilian oversight board or similar entity.
Statutes affected: