Senate Bill 730 aims to enhance the standards and procedures surrounding the use of force by law enforcement officers and the decertification of various law enforcement professionals, including jail and juvenile detention officers. The bill stipulates that law enforcement officers must employ de-escalation tactics and use the least amount of force necessary when addressing threats. It also expands the grounds for decertification by the Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) to include violations of the law governing the use of force and termination of employment while under investigation for official misconduct. Additionally, the bill mandates that LESB decertify individuals within 30 days of the relevant event and prohibits recertification for those decertified under misconduct investigations unless a waiver is granted by the appropriate governing body.

Furthermore, the bill requires the LESB to develop a model use of force policy that addresses interactions with vulnerable populations, including individuals with mental health issues and disabilities, and limits the use of force against these groups. The model policy is to be reviewed at least every two years to ensure it incorporates best practices. The bill also renumbers and amends existing statutes to reflect these changes, ensuring that law enforcement agencies comply with the updated standards for the use of force and decertification processes.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 165.85(3m)(c), 165.85, 165.85(4)(c)7, 175.44(2)(b)(intro.), 175.44