Bill > HB1414

This bill modifies the qualifications for becoming a county sheriff in Oklahoma by clarifying and expanding the definition of "peace officer" and establishing new requirements for candidacy. The bill defines a peace officer as a full-time, duly appointed or elected officer who works more than 25 hours per week and is responsible for preserving public peace, protecting life and property, preventing crime, and enforcing various federal, state, and local laws. To be eligible for the sheriff's office, a candidate must be a state resident for two years, a registered voter in the county for six months, at least 25 years old, possess a high school education, and have served as a certified peace officer in a full-time capacity for at least four years. Notably, the bill now allows military police veterans to count their military service towards the experience requirement, requiring them to present a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) when filing their candidacy. Additionally, the bill maintains the existing requirement that newly elected sheriffs must complete a sheriff's administrative school within 12 months of taking office, or risk losing their CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training) certification. The bill is set to become effective on November 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1414&Session=2600