LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING STANDARDS         S.B. 334 (S-1):

        SUMMARY OF BILL

        REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill 334 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor: Senator Jeff Irwin

Committee: Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety

 

 

CONTENT

 

The bill would amend the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Act to do the following:

 

--       Require the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) to research and establish curriculum standards for training in de-escalation techniques, implicit bias, procedural justice, crisis intervention, and behavioral health resources and support.

--       Beginning July 1, 2026, require an individual seeking to become licensed as a law enforcement officer, Tribal law enforcement officer, fire arson investigator, or private college security officer to complete the training.

--       By July 1, 2027, require already-licensed law enforcement officers to complete the training.

--       Prescribe continuing education requirements for the curriculum standards.

--       Require MCOLES to adopt a model policy for training standards and make the policy available within six months of the bill's effective date.

--       Require each law enforcement agency to adopt a written policy stating that each of its law enforcement officers would have to use de-escalation techniques to the extent reasonable and as safely as possible.

--       Require MCOLES to promulgate rules to ensure compliance with the bill.

 

Proposed MCL 28.609f & 28.609g         

 

BRIEF RATIONALE

 

According to testimony before the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety, standardized and transparent training requirements and duty to intervene policies increase the public trust and improve safety in law enforcement's facilitation of justice. Some believe that law enforcement officers should be held to the same standards across the State and from agency to agency. It has been suggested to codify in State law specific training and expectations of law enforcement officers so that the standards are consistent across the State.

 

        Legislative Analyst: Tyler VanHuyse

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

The bill could result in additional costs for State and local law enforcement based upon the requirements for research and development into officer training standards, to adopt written policies on de-escalation techniques, and to require minimum hours of continuing education.

 

Date Completed: 9-4-25        Fiscal Analyst: Bruce R. Baker

 

 

 

floor\sb334                Bill Analysis @ www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.