Senate Bill 328 Summary

• Specifies that a consolidated law enforcement department in a consolidated city must be a division of the department of public safety.

• Requires the city-county legislative body to hold a public hearing and determine that consolidation provides adequate police protection and serves the public interest before adopting a consolidation ordinance.

• Mandates the county sheriff's department retain responsibility for county jail operations, emergency communications, building security, civil process service, and sex offender registration under the sheriff's direction.

• Requires independent performance audits due within one year of consolidation and annually for two subsequent years to evaluate cost savings, operational efficiencies, service improvements, and tax shifts.

• Effective July 1, 2012.