The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Cathy Wells.
DIGEST
SB 37 Engrossed 2015 Regular Session Morrell
Present law requires the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training to develop minimum
curriculum requirements for the training of peace officers.
Proposed law requires the council to develop and continuously update a POST recognized homicide
investigator training program and a sexual assault awareness training program for peace officers that
consist of classroom or Internet instruction, or both. Proposed law authorizes the homicide training
to include field officer training as prescribed by the council.
Proposed law requires that on and after Jan. 1, 2016, each person who is employed as a full-time
college or university police officer shall complete a sexual assault awareness training program as
provided by the council as provided in proposed law.
Proposed law requires the council to create and maintain a current list of those peace officers who
have successfully completed the homicide investigator training program for purposes of coordinating
homicide investigations occurring in the state. Proposed law provides that on and after Jan. 1, 2017,
only law enforcement officers who successfully complete the homicide investigator training
program or receive a waiver of compliance based on prior training or experience as a homicide
investigator shall be assigned to lead investigations in homicide cases.
Proposed law requires the council to develop the sexual assault awareness training program in a
series of modules to include all of the following:
(1)The neurobiology of sexual assault and trauma, including victim impact.
(2)Response to sexual assault, including but not limited to investigative methods, collecting and
securing evidence, and interviewing victims.
(3)Applicable federal and state victim's rights laws.
Proposed law requires the council to solicit free or no cost training and technical assistance and may
accept gifts, grants, and donations from whatever sources are available for purposes of proposed law.
Proposed law further requires the council to consult with appropriate governmental agencies and
nongovernmental statewide agencies in the development and presentation of the training required
by proposed law. Regarding nongovernmental agencies, only agencies whose primary purpose is
the delivery of sexual assault services to victims are required to be consulted.
Proposed law requires the council to promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the APA,
subject to the oversight of the House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice and the Senate Committee on Judiciary B for the implementation of the sexual assault awareness training
no later than July 1, 2016.
Proposed law requires the council to promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the APA,
subject to the oversight of the House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice and the
Senate Committee on Judiciary B for the implementation of the sexual assault awareness training
program for persons employed full-time as college or university police officers no later than Oct. 1,
2015.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:1805(H) and R.S. 40:2405.8)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary B to the original bill
1. Changes proposed law homicide investigator training from lead homicide
investigator training to POST recognized homicide investigator training.
2. Adds authorization for homicide investigator training programs to include field
officer training.
3. Regarding proposed law requirement for appointments to lead investigations in
homicide cases, adds authorization for a waiver from homicide investigator training
based on prior training or experience as a homicide investigator.