SB 1361 Summary

• Establishes a "Peace Officer Violence Victims' Bill of Rights" granting victims and their families rights including fair treatment, free legal support, access to investigation materials and body camera footage within 72 hours, and access to the officer's employment and disciplinary files within 72 hours.

• Requires municipalities to establish an independent victim advocate role outside the police department to provide support services, with victim advocates responding to critical incidents within one hour.

• Mandates that victims and families receive interpreter services within one hour, monthly investigation updates, and the right to petition the county attorney to reopen cases if criminal charges are not filed.

• Requires permanent removal of any peace officer involved in a shooting or in-custody death from law enforcement and permanent withholding of their pension.

• Directs the state to fully fund an independent nonprofit organization to provide free legal counsel, trauma recovery services, and independent medical examinations or autopsies for victims of peace officer violence.