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 monitor police practices. 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 that identify law enforcement officers whose credibility has been compromised due to misconduct.

The legislation enhances transparency and accountability in law enforcement by granting oversight boards the authority to conduct independent investigations, issue subpoenas, and publish their findings as public records. It mandates that law enforcement agencies maintain comprehensive records regarding officer separations, including reasons for departure, and permanently retain records of conduct that could lead to certification revocation or suspension. The previous requirement to retain such records only during employment and for ten years post-separation has been removed. The bill also updates the commission's requirements to maintain a public list of officers who have surrendered or had their certifications revoked since January 1, 2021, and establishes a procedure for officers to challenge their inclusion on this list. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

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