DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 277 Engrossed 2017 Regular Session James
Abstract: Requires certain mandatory basic and annual certification hours for peace officers.
Present law establishes the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training and authorizes the
council to develop curriculum requirements for training of peace officers and to accredit law
enforcement training centers. Present law further provides for the training requirements for peace
officers.
Proposed law requires all peace officers to successfully complete a minimum of 400 hours of basic
core curriculum training and a minimum of 20 hours of in-service training on an annual basis to
maintain P.O.S.T. certification, to be prescribed by the council.
Proposed law requires the council to develop and implement curriculum for de-escalation, bias
policing recognition, sudden in-custody death, and crisis intervention training for peace officers no
later than Jan. 1, 2018.
Present law requires the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training to develop and implement
by Aug. 1, 2006, a training course on law enforcement interaction with mentally ill or
developmentally disabled persons with assistance from community, local, and state organizations
specialized in the area of working with such population.
Present law further provides that the training course on law enforcement interaction with mentally
ill and developmentally disabled persons will be implemented when funding is made available for
such program. Proposed law retains present law but removes the funding contingency language
provided in present law.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 40:2404.2; Repeals R.S. 40:2405.5(F))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Judiciary to the original bill:
1. Remove proposed provisions related to the time period in which peace officers must
successfully complete a certified-training program approved by the council and pass a
council approved examination. 2. Remove proposed provisions related to requirements for maintaining certification for
peace officers.
3. Make technical amendments.