The bill amends sections 109.71 and 109.79 of the Revised Code and enacts section 109.7413, which introduces mandatory emotional intelligence training for peace officers in Ohio. This training is defined as the ability to identify and manage one's own emotions and those of others, covering aspects such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. The Ohio peace officer training commission is responsible for establishing rules regarding the training requirements, including the duration and timeline for completion. Additionally, the training curriculum at the Ohio peace officer training academy will be updated to incorporate emotional intelligence training alongside existing courses in crisis intervention, handling missing children, and companion animal encounters.

The bill also expands training opportunities to tactical medical professionals and fire investigators, allowing them to attend courses at the academy to qualify for carrying firearms while on duty. The executive director of the Ohio peace officer training commission is authorized to certify those who complete the training, and their respective law enforcement agencies may cover tuition costs. Similar provisions are extended to county correctional officers. The bill further defines various law enforcement-related terms and includes a provision to repeal existing sections 109.71 and 109.79, thereby streamlining the legal framework for training and certification processes.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 109.71, 109.79