HB5009 Summary: Equitable Arbitration Act

• Establishes judicial review of arbitrator decisions involving peace officer terminations or suspensions exceeding 30 days under the Administrative Review Law, notwithstanding the Uniform Arbitration Act.

• Requires law enforcement agencies and civilian oversight boards to prove alleged officer misconduct by preponderance of the evidence in arbitration proceedings; prohibits arbitrators from reducing termination discipline if inconsistent with public interest in community trust and accountability.

• Mandates the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board adopt uniform standards of conduct and disciplinary procedures for law enforcement officers by October 1, 2023, applicable to agencies, civilian oversight boards, and arbitrators.

• Creates decertification authority for the Board to remove law enforcement officer certifications for felonies, misdemeanors, excessive force, failure to intervene, camera tampering, perjury, evidence fabrication, and unprofessional conduct.

• Establishes comprehensive investigation and formal complaint procedures including preliminary review, investigative reports, administrative law judge hearings, and panel certification reviews with clear and convincing evidence standards for decertification.