This bill amends current law to allow county sheriffs to certify that law enforcement officers employed by their departments meet the necessary criteria for the renewal of their law enforcement licenses. Previously, the renewal process required law enforcement officers to submit applications through their employing law enforcement units to the Police Training Commission (PTC), with certifications needed from both the officer and the chief law enforcement officer. The new provision specifically states that "Every county sheriff shall be permitted to certify... that a law enforcement officer employed by the sheriff's department in that county meets the criteria set forth in this subsection for the renewal of the officer's license."

The bill maintains the existing requirements for license renewal, which include certifications related to moral character, completion of training, and absence of certain criminal convictions. It also outlines the process for officers who cannot certify compliance with these criteria and allows the PTC to request additional information as needed. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:17B-71