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 legal language reflects this change by deleting references to the Division of State Police and inserting provisions that recognize the new Department of State Police, which will be headed by a Superintendent of State Police. The bill also designates the Superintendent as the State Director of Emergency Management and allows for personnel changes within the department to be approved solely by the Superintendent, eliminating the need for approval from the Attorney General.

Additionally, the bill continues the functions, powers, and duties of the Superintendent of State Police and clarifies that any references to the Division of State Police in existing laws, contracts, or documents will now refer to the Department of State Police. The oversight currently provided by the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards will also apply to the newly established department. The bill aims to streamline the organization and authority of the State Police, enhancing its operational independence within the state government structure.

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