HB1055: Public safety matters.

Legislative Summary

Public safety matters. Increases the number of deputies, from two to six, that a town marshal may have to participate in the town marshal training program (Tier II training program) established by the law enforcement training board (board). Requires the board to adopt rules establishing a conservancy district marshal basic training program. Adds a district marshal or deputy district marshal to certain definitions of "police officer", "officer", or "law enforcement officer". Makes changes to certain definitions of "law enforcement officer" to include officers employed by a hospital police department, conservancy district marshals, and deputy conservancy district marshals. Defines "district marshal". Provides that a conservancy district (district) in which each director of the board has been elected to the board may employ a district marshal or deputy district marshal. Provides that the district marshal is the chief police officer of the district and has the powers of other law enforcement officers in enforcing laws. Makes changes to the jurisdiction of a hospital police department. Provides that a member of a city police or fire department is not subject to residency requirements. Eliminates a provision that provides that a city with a population of less than 7,500 may adopt an ordinance that requires a member of a city police or fire department to reside within the county in which the city is located. Provides that members of the police and fire departments of a town or special service district are not subject to residency requirements but must: (1) have adequate means of transportation into the jurisdiction served by the member's department; and (2) maintain telephone service to communicate with the department. Provides that members of the fire department of a township, fire protection district, or fire protection territory are not subject to residency requirements but must: (1) have adequate means of transportation into the jurisdiction served by the member's department; and (2) maintain telephone service to communicate with the department. Repeals provisions: (1) relating to the establishment of residency requirements for a police or fire department of a town with a population of less than 7,500; (2) relating to the establishment of residency requirements for a township fire department of a township with a population of less than 7,500; and (3) that exempt a member of a town police or fire department or a township fire department from residency requirements under certain circumstances. Repeals a provision relating to the jurisdiction of hospital police departments.