RI H8118

Amends the Law Enforcement Officers' Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act to modify how legal counsel for hearing committees is appointed and paid for in police disciplinary proceedings.

Removes the provision allowing a majority of the hearing committee to unilaterally request appointment of legal counsel, now requiring joint written application from both the law enforcement agency and the accused officer.

Eliminates the hearing committee chair's authority to reallocate legal fee payment responsibilities between parties upon motion.

Requires each party (law enforcement agency and accused officer) to pay 50% of the appointed legal counsel's fees, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon.

Takes effect immediately upon passage.