The bill amends the "Law Enforcement Officers Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act" by revising the provisions regarding the payment of legal fees associated with hearings for law enforcement officers. It allows for the appointment of legal counsel to assist the hearing committee upon written application by both the law enforcement agency and the accused law enforcement officer. In this case, both parties are responsible for covering fifty percent (50%) of the legal fees for the appointed counsel, unless otherwise agreed upon.

The bill removes previous language that required a majority of the hearing committee to apply for legal counsel and provided the chairperson with discretion to appoint legal counsel. The changes aim to clarify the process and financial responsibilities of the involved parties during hearings. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8118: 42-28.6-1