HI HB1803

Establishes a new Law Enforcement Standards Board within the Department of the Attorney General to set and enforce standards for county police officers, state public safety officers, and employees of transportation and land and natural resources departments with police powers.

Board composition includes ex officio voting members (four county police chiefs, director of public safety, director of transportation, and chair of board of land and natural resources) plus one public member appointed by the governor from each county.

Board powers include adopting rules, establishing minimum employment and training standards, certifying qualified officers, investigating non-compliance with standards, requiring continuing education, and collecting certification application fees.

Establishes a special fund to support board operations, funded through legislative appropriations, certification fees, grants, gifts, and interest.

Prohibits employment of law enforcement officers without valid board certification effective July 1, 2015, with an exception for probationary employees during a board-determined probation period.