SIRN & other law enforcement related bills have successful outcomes

There were four major bills impacting law enforcement that had floor action on Monday. We were successful in getting the bills amended and passed out that we wanted to see advance and we were able to kill two that were very concerning. 

First off, the Senate unanimously approved HB 1435 which has been a high priority for not only law enforcement and our public service community but counties as well. This is the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN) bill. The bill provides the last step in the 10 year collaborative to study, develop and fully fund a replacement public safety communication system. The Senate amended the bill to restore $40 million that was included as introduced but was later removed by the House Appropriations. This bill will go to the House to decide if they will concur with the change or not concur, which will then trigger a conference committee of House and Senate members to negotiate. 

The Senate passed HB 1286 (46-1), asset forfeiture reform as amended. Law enforcement worked closely with the Senate Judiciary chair on amendments to address concerns by the prime sponsor but yet provide support from law enforcement. While this was a success for today, the work on this bill is not over. HB 1286 will go back to the House for the Judiciary committee to decide if they will concur with the change or not concur with the senate changes. I would encourage those of you with members on the House Judiciary to urge them to support the Senate version of HB 1286. The bill as it stands now, is about as much of a compromise as our law enforcement community is willing to make.

The Senate killed HB 1290 (4-43), the bill restricting law enforcement on private property without permission. The bill was amended into a study and then defeated.

The Senate also defeated HB 1206, which would have allowed for a new firearms license (Class 1 Exempt) and allowed those individuals with the additional training to be allowed to carry firearms at public events, and in public buildings and churches.


Law enforcement had a strong presence on the Senate floor Monday, thank you to those who were engaging with legislators in person and via email.