HF 74 Summary

• Attorney general gains primary prosecutorial authority for all peace-officer-involved death cases, with county attorneys able to assist upon request.

• Establishes independent Use of Force Investigations Unit within Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to investigate officer-involved deaths and conflict of interest cases involving peace officers.

• Modifies deadly force standards to require officers use deadly force only when necessary to protect from imminent death or great bodily harm, or to arrest/prevent escape of felony suspects who pose imminent threat; prohibits deadly force based solely on danger to self.

• Requires courts to release misdemeanor defendants on personal recognizance unless substantial likelihood of non-appearance or threat to victim safety exists; limits use of money bail as condition of release.

• Appropriates unspecified amounts in fiscal year 2021 to attorney general for peace-officer-involved death prosecutions and to commissioner of public safety for Use of Force Investigations Unit operations.