STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2021) – After a unanimous vote by the Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday, legislation co-authored by State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) supporting local law enforcement now heads to the Senate.
Payne said to boost accountability and transparency in policing, the proposed law would require full employment record sharing between police departments to identify bad actors, provide additional flexibility to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board in order to address significant officer misconduct, and require de-escalation training for new recruits and current officers.
"Lawmakers, law enforcement and local advocates worked hard to find ways police departments can better serve all Hoosiers,” Payne said. “Our public safety officers risk their lives to protect our communities, and these enhancements will help them continue to keep us safe.
He said the legislation also includes a $70 million investment in improved training programs and facility upgrades at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, which hasn't been updated since the 1970s.
Supporters of House Bill 1006 are the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Police Alliance, Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, Indiana Sheriff's Association, Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Hoosier State Press Association, Inc., the Indy Chamber of Commerce and the Public Defender Commission.
To learn more and watch legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) represents House District 66, which includes
all of Scott County, most of Jefferson County and northeastern Clark County.
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