Bill > SB14

This bill establishes new requirements for law enforcement agencies regarding a "department file" for each licensed law enforcement employee. A department file is a separate administrative record that must be maintained by the agency head or their designee, containing letters, memoranda, or documents related to an employee that are not part of their official personnel file. Specifically, the file must include documents about alleged misconduct, even if the agency determined there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims. These department files are confidential and generally cannot be released to outside parties, with limited exceptions: they can be shared with another law enforcement agency that is hiring the employee, or with the commission upon request as part of an investigation. The files are not subject to public disclosure under standard government transparency laws, and if an outside agency or person requests information, they must be referred to the agency head. The bill takes effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session, providing a mechanism for more comprehensive tracking of law enforcement employee records while maintaining confidentiality.