Florida House Bill H0927

Florida 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/23
• Refer: 2/28/23
• Failed: 5/5/23

Caption

Rights of Law Enforcement Officers and Correctional Officers

Impact

The bill's provisions ensure that law enforcement officers are given adequate notice and opportunity to challenge any disciplinary actions against them. In cases where agencies intentionally fail to comply with the stated requirements, the legislation enables officers to formally contest such failures. A compliance review panel, made up of law enforcement peers, is established to oversee the adherence to these rules, creating a more structured approach to grievances and enhancing accountability among agencies. This legislative measure could potentially alter the dynamics of internal investigations within law enforcement agencies by prioritizing officer rights.

Summary

House Bill 927 introduces significant amendments to Florida law regarding the rights and protections of law enforcement and correctional officers. The bill primarily aims to enhance the procedural safeguards that officers are entitled to during disciplinary actions by establishing strict timelines for investigations. Specifically, the bill prohibits agencies from taking disciplinary action unless they complete investigations within a 180-day timeframe following allegations of misconduct. Should agencies fail to adhere to this timeline, officers cannot face suspension, demotion, or dismissal related to the alleged misconduct.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill is a necessary reform to protect officers from arbitrary and unfair disciplinary measures, critics express concerns about the potential implications for accountability within law enforcement. The requirement for timely investigations could lead to situations where misconduct may be addressed only if agencies adhere to specific procedural steps. Opponents worry that this may hinder the ability of agencies to take necessary disciplinary actions against officers, particularly in cases where investigating misconduct may require more than the stipulated 180 days. These discussions highlight a broader debate about balancing officer protections with public accountability and community safety.