This bill seeks to establish comprehensive guidelines for the investigation and reporting of bias incidents by county and municipal law enforcement agencies. It mandates that these agencies report confirmed or suspected bias incidents through the Electronic Uniform Crime Reporting system within 24 hours of the initial response. In cases involving serious crimes, law enforcement officers as alleged perpetrators, organized hate groups, or incidents that could incite public unrest, agencies are required to notify the Bias Crime Unit in the Division of Criminal Justice and the appropriate county prosecutor immediately. Additionally, county prosecutors must inform the Division of Criminal Justice when they intend to file accusations related to bias intimidation.

The legislation also outlines specific responsibilities for law enforcement executives, including the development of formal policies, public announcements, and officer training regarding bias incident response and investigation. It emphasizes the need for sensitivity and thoroughness in handling such cases and establishes criteria for confirming bias incidents. The bill mandates collaboration between the Division of Criminal Justice, the Police Training Commission, and other relevant agencies to revise training curricula related to bias incidents, ensuring that law enforcement is well-equipped to address these issues effectively. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the professionalism and accountability of police forces while improving community relations and fostering a more equitable law enforcement environment.