SB 1561 - Unified Law Enforcement Act of 2016

• Creates the Oklahoma Department of Law Enforcement effective December 1, 2016, consolidating the Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control under a single Superintendent appointed by the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Council.

• Establishes the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Council consisting of 7 members appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor, with staggered terms ranging from 1-7 years; council meets at least quarterly and oversees the unified department.

• Abolishes the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Commission and Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control Commission, transferring their duties to the Law Enforcement Council.

• Requires the Superintendent to submit plans by November 1, 2017 for unified position and compensation systems, data collection systems, standardized operational boundaries, and common training programs for law enforcement.

• Takes effect November 1, 2016 for most provisions and December 1, 2016 for repealers of old commission structures.