Proposal would move public safety officer oversight to Labor

The proposal would move the council’s administrative oversight to the Department of Labor and Industry and establish a 13-member council. The council would include public safety and law enforcement representatives, other listed professionals, and two public members. The proposal sets July 1, 2026, as its effective date if enacted.

The council would set officer training and qualification standards and fees, while appointing authorities would apply those standards. The standards would cover the public safety officer roles listed in the proposal, including peace, detention, corrections, and communications officers. State agencies would pay fees for their employees; the state general fund would pay fees for local government employees. The council could waive or change a standard for good cause. An appointing authority could request up to 180 extra days for an officer to complete minimum training. Appointing authorities would require minimum training within one year of an officer’s hire date, unless the council granted an extension.

The council could not revoke an officer’s certification solely because of mental illness unless the condition meets specified limits. This provision concerns public safety officers certified by the council. Revocation could be based on the condition only if, even with reasonable accommodation, it substantially limits essential duties or poses a direct threat to the health and safety of the public or fellow officers. The proposal sets July 1, 2026, as its effective date if enacted.