This bill establishes the Department of State Police as a principal department within the executive branch of the State government, transferring the existing Division of State Police from the Department of Law and Public Safety. The Superintendent of State Police will serve as the head of this new department and will also be designated as the State Director of Emergency Management. The bill specifies that any personnel changes within the Department will only require the approval of the Superintendent, eliminating the need for the Attorney General's approval.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of current law to reflect this transition, including the removal of references to the Division of State Police and the establishment of the Department of State Police. It continues the functions, powers, and duties of the Superintendent of State Police, ensuring that oversight and monitoring by the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards will still apply under the new department structure. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:17B-3, 52:17B-51