The bill amends Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, significantly restructuring the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) by reducing its membership from thirteen to seven members and establishing new appointment criteria. The Governor will appoint three members, including a law enforcement administrator from a tribal agency, a sheriff from a populous county, and a chief of police from a municipality whose officers are required to attend CLEET's peace officer certification program. Additionally, the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate and the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives will each appoint two members with specified qualifications. The bill also updates terminology related to criminal history checks and outlines the Council's responsibilities, including appointing an Executive Director and establishing training standards.

Moreover, the bill introduces new regulations for the creation and operation of law enforcement agencies, requiring detailed submissions to CLEET prior to formation, and mandates stringent background checks and psychological evaluations for peace officer candidates. It specifies that peace officers involuntarily committed for mental health issues may have their certification suspended but can be reinstated after a favorable evaluation. The bill also establishes certification requirements for canine teams, outlines disciplinary procedures for peace officers, and emphasizes the importance of mental health training. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-3311