HB 16-1262 Summary

• Requires all Colorado law enforcement agencies (state patrol, sheriffs, municipal police, town marshals, parks and wildlife division, and CBI) to obtain written waivers from peace officer candidates who have previously worked in law enforcement before conducting background checks.

• Waivers must authorize disclosure of applicant files including internal affairs records, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and complaints; candidates who refuse to sign waivers are ineligible for employment.

• Agencies receiving waivers must disclose files within 21 days, and hiring agencies must submit waivers at least 21 days before making hiring decisions.

• Exempts agencies from disclosure requirements if bound by pre-existing nondisclosure agreements and provides liability protection to agencies complying with the waiver provisions.

• Amends P.O.S.T. board certification rules to deny certification to applicants who entered deferred judgment, deferred prosecution, or pretrial diversion agreements for crimes that would otherwise disqualify them, if the board determines certification is not in the public interest.