SB1274: Witness Impeachment Evidence Designation; review process.

Legislative Summary

Witness Impeachment Evidence Designation; review process. Prohibits a police officer from being discharged, disciplined, or threatened with discharge or discipline solely due to the designation of such police officer as a witness with a Witness Impeachment Evidence Designation. The bill defines "Witness Impeachment Evidence Designation" as a determination that is made by or a designation that is created by the attorney for the Commonwealth relating to a law-enforcement officer who is believed to have given inconsistent statements or otherwise engaged in conduct that meets the requirements for disclosure in a criminal prosecution according to the Constitution of the United States. The bill also provides for a review of the attorney for the Commonwealth's decision by the circuit court when a law-enforcement officer is designated as a witness with a Witness Impeachment Evidence Designation within certain time frames specified in the bill. Finally, the bill contains a retroactivity provision that applies the notice and appeal process created in the bill to any law-enforcement officer designated as a witness with a Witness Impeachment Evidence Designation prior to July 1, 2025.