Bill > S01401

This bill enacts the "Police and Peace Officer Licensing Act," which establishes a comprehensive licensing and continuing education system for police and peace officers in New York State. The legislation creates a mandatory licensing program requiring all current and new police and peace officers to be licensed by January 1, 2027, with licenses valid for five years and subject to renewal. A new independent review board will be established with seven members appointed by various state officials, with the power to review individual cases, issue licensing penalties, revoke or suspend licenses, impose fines, and require additional training or therapy for officers found to have committed professional misconduct. The bill also mandates a detailed continuing education program that includes sensitivity and de-escalation training, with specific focus areas such as handling emergencies involving individuals with mental illness or disabilities, responding to protests, and developing cultural competency around race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Officers will be required to complete these training programs, which aim to improve policing practices, reduce use of force, and enhance interactions with diverse communities. The licensing requirements will become a condition of employment for police and peace officers, with the municipal police training council responsible for implementing and overseeing the new licensing and education framework.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1401