The proposed Municipal Police Oversight Act mandates the creation of citizen police oversight boards in cities with full-time police officers by January 1, 2028. These boards, composed of seven public members appointed by the city council, will investigate grievances against police departments, address complaints of discrimination and misconduct, and evaluate policing standards. The bill also prohibits no-knock search and arrest warrants, ensuring that judges or magistrates cannot authorize such warrants. Additionally, it requires city and county attorneys, along with the Attorney General, to maintain public Brady and Giglio lists of law enforcement officers whose credibility has been compromised due to misconduct.

To enhance transparency and accountability, the bill grants oversight boards the authority to conduct independent investigations, issue subpoenas, and publish their findings as public records. It mandates law enforcement agencies to maintain comprehensive records regarding the separation of service for each officer, including reasons for departure, for five years post-separation, and specifies that these records must be permanently retained. Furthermore, the bill requires the commission to maintain a public list of law enforcement officers who have surrendered their certifications or been found guilty of serious misconduct since January 1, 2021, detailing their status and allowing for a challenge process. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 29-411, 81-1414.15, 81-1414.19