Michigan House Bill HB6115

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/14/24
• Refer: 11/14/24
• Report Pass: 12/10/24

Caption

Law enforcement: records; law enforcement officer separation of service record act; revise. Amends secs. 1, 2, 3 & 5 of 2017 PA 128 (MCL 28.561 et seq.); designates secs. 1 & 2 as art. 1 & secs. 3 & 5 as art. 2 & adds arts. 3 & 4.

Impact

The primary impact of HB 6115 is on how law enforcement agencies in Michigan manage personnel records. By mandating both provisional and separation service records, the bill enhances the oversight of law enforcement officers as they transition between agencies. It seeks to provide a standardized process for documenting any disciplinary actions or investigations that officers may have faced within one year prior to their separation. This change could prevent officers with unresolved issues from moving to new positions without the necessary scrutiny of their past conduct.

Summary

House Bill 6115 aims to amend the existing Law Enforcement Officer Separation of Service Record Act, originally enacted in 2017. The bill introduces amendments to sections that govern the creation and maintenance of service records for law enforcement officers who separate from their agencies. It focuses on delineating specific definitions and requirements for creating a separation of service record, which must be maintained within five business days following an officer's departure. This record is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies by documenting the reasons and circumstances surrounding an officer's separation.

Contention

There are points of contention surrounding the implications of HB 6115 on officer privacy and agency transparency. Some stakeholders may argue that the requirement for detailed separation records may lead to violations of privacy for former officers. On the other hand, proponents assert that these records are vital for ensuring public trust in law enforcement by making sure that only qualified and suitable candidates are moved between agencies, effectively addressing any potential misconduct that may otherwise go unrecorded.

Additional_notes

The proposed amendments include provisions that allow officers to review their separation records and contest any inaccuracies within them. By formalizing this review process, the bill aims to balance the need for accountability with the rights of the officers, making it a crucial aspect of the legislative discussion surrounding the treatment of former law enforcement personnel.