The bill amends Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, focusing on the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) and the certification process for law enforcement officers. It prohibits the certification of permanent resident aliens, with an exception, and introduces new background investigation requirements, including fingerprint searches with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, psychological evaluations, and verification of educational qualifications. The bill also specifies that individuals with pending criminal charges or undergoing mental health treatment are ineligible for certification, and it clarifies that those with revoked or suspended certifications or certain criminal convictions can only be certified if they have received a full pardon.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of CLEET, including appointing an Executive Director, conducting criminal history checks, and setting training standards. It mandates that law enforcement agencies report hiring and termination of officers, establishes penalties for false information in applications, and details disciplinary actions for officers with felony convictions or other serious offenses. Notably, the bill removes the requirement for proof of resident alien status for certification, promoting inclusivity in hiring. It also includes provisions for canine teams, allows tribal police officers to obtain certification under similar conditions as state officers, and sets financial provisions for training reimbursements. The act is scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-3311