Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) in the state of Rhode Island.

Highlights:

• Defines terms related to police disciplinary actions (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that nothing in this act shall prohibit the releasing of a public statement or footage concerning an officer as a matter of public interest from the law enforcement agency (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that nothing in this act prohibits an individual officer from making a public statement (Sec. 1).

• Specifies the procedures by which judges may be called to a hearing committee (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies the makeup of each hearing committee including members of the nonviolence institute and Rhode Island (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the addition of 2 members to the hearing committee (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes that each accused officer will be responsible for paying 50% of the legal fee of the appointed legal counsel (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that if any charging agency or accused law enforcement officer fails to comply then the chairperson may issue a sanction (Sec. 1). 

• Requires and administrative record of each hearing 

• Requires the Commission on Standards and Training to be informed of the decisions of a hearing committee and will publish it on their website (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the dismissal of a police officer to be immediately reported to the commission (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that collective bargaining agreements shall not modify this act after July 1st 2024 (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies the selection process for the commission of standards and training (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that an accused officer may dismiss a member of the hearing committee for purposes of conflict of interest or other substantial grounds (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text