Senate to vote on LEOBOR reform bill

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A major reform to the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights has one more hurdle to face before heading to Governor Dan McKee’s desk for signature.

Today, the Senate will vote on the bill after the House voted to move it forward back in May. 

It’s been several years since lawmakers in Rhode Island began looking to address the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights, and after failed attempts in the past few years, it does seem reform may actually will make its way to Rhode Island.

Since the death of George Floyd four years ago, states across the country have been looking at their own versions of LEOBOR, with many states opting to fully repeal the program and others reforming it.

If passed, the bill would determine what is and isn’t shared with the public when an officer is disciplined.

Under the current law, any officer that is accused of misconduct is granted a hearing with three active or retired police officers.

It  would also raise the number of people on the panel to five, with the inclusion of a judge and attorney.

Lastly, the bill would also allow police chiefs to speak more openly about officers facing discipline and release video.

Advocates have said that the reform does not go far enough, calling for a full repeal, while other lawmakers and police have said the change represents a compromise between several groups.

Today’s vote is set for 4 p.m. 

Lawmakers will also vote on the safe storage bill today.

The bill will require safe storage of firearms, ensuring all guns be stored in a locked container or equipped to render them inoperable when not in use.