Req. No. 6140 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 STATE OF OKLAHOMA 1st Session of the 59th Legislature (2023) HOUSE BILL 2653 By: Steagall AS INTRODUCED An Act relating to county officers; amending 19 O.S. 2021, Section 516, which relates to t he duty and powers of peace officers; establishing that county sheriffs are the chief law en forcement officers of the county; and providing an effective date . BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 19 O.S. 2 021, Section 516, is amended to read as follows: Section 516. A. It shall be the duty of the sheriff, undersheriffs and deputies to keep and preserve the peace of their respective counties, and to quiet and suppress all affrays, riots and unlawful assemblies and insurrections, for which purpose and for the service of process in civil and criminal cases, and in apprehending or securing any person for felony or breach of the peace, they and every constable may call to their aid such person or persons of their county as they may deem necessary. Req. No. 6140 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 B. The sheriff, in addition to the duties pursuant to subsection A of this section, shall coordinate and administer courthouse security. C. The sheriff is recognized as a constitutional office and is the chief law enforcement officer of the county. SECTION 2. This act shall become effective November 1, 2023. 59-1-6140 MJ 12/08/22