The bill proposes significant changes to Chapter 42-28.6 of the General Laws, renaming it the "Law Enforcement Officers’ Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act." It revises the composition of the hearing committee from three to five members, including a retired judge or justice and a practicing attorney, along with three law enforcement officers. The selection process for these officers is now tied to the Rhode Island police officers commission on standards and training. The bill also updates interrogation procedures, ensuring officers are informed of complaints and complainants, and it introduces gender-neutral language. It allows chiefs to release video evidence and make public statements, sets a three-year limit for disciplinary action, and outlines the hearing request process for accused officers. Additionally, it removes provisions for untimely hearing committee selection and details the new process for notifying the chief justice to appoint a chairperson for the hearing committee.
The bill also amends the law to require written decisions from hearings, with findings of fact on each issue, and mandates that decisions indicating guilt be transmitted to the Rhode Island police officers commission on standards and training. It increases the number of suspension days without pay for violations and specifies procedures for suspensions during criminal investigations, including pay and benefits for the accused officer. The bill outlines consequences for officers charged with criminal or noncriminal matters, including reimbursement for lost wages if acquitted. It asserts that its remedies are exclusive and that collective bargaining agreements cannot contravene its provisions. Furthermore, the bill establishes a certified officers pool for hearing committee appointments and requires officers to complete training in police discipline. It sets the effective date of the act as January 1, 2025.