HI SB2196

Establishes a nine-member law enforcement officer independent review board within the Department of the Attorney General to review criminal investigations of officer-involved deaths and issue non-binding recommendations to county prosecutors.

Board membership includes one deputy attorney general, four former prosecutors (one from each county), one retired state judge, one retired law enforcement chief, and two community members without law enforcement experience.

Board reviews investigations after law enforcement agencies complete them and may recommend prosecution, declining prosecution, or further investigation, but prosecutors are not required to follow board recommendations.

All board proceedings and records remain confidential until criminal prosecution is adjudicated, after which recommendations must be released unless prohibited by law.

Appropriates $100,000 for fiscal year 2016-2017 to establish the board; law enforcement agencies must have written policies on investigating officer-involved deaths and provide full disclosure to the board except physical evidence.

Bill becomes effective July 1, 2017 and repeals June 30, 2022.