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Bill

SB 2791

Grand jury investigations; require notice of investigation to law enforcement officers and opportunity to testify.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brice Wiggins

SB 2791 mandates grand juries notify law enforcement officers under investigation and allow them to testify before potential indictment, altering standard investigative procedures for officer accountability cases.

Died In Committee
#judiciary #divisiona
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Bill Summary · SB 2791

Legislative bill overview

SB 2791 would require grand juries to notify law enforcement officers when they are the subject of an investigation and provide them with an opportunity to testify in their own defense before the grand jury. The bill aims to extend procedural protections typically afforded to civilians to officers under grand jury scrutiny.

Why is this important

Grand jury investigations into law enforcement conduct—particularly regarding use of force or misconduct allegations—are a critical accountability mechanism. This bill would fundamentally alter that process by giving officers advance notice and a platform to present their side before potential indictment, which could affect both the transparency of investigations and the prosecution of officer misconduct cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process vs. investigative integrity: Requiring notice might compromise grand jury independence and allow subjects to coordinate narratives or influence witnesses before testimony concludes
  • Unequal treatment concerns: Civilians don't receive similar notice and testimony opportunities in grand jury proceedings, raising fairness questions about why law enforcement receives special protections
  • Practical chilling effect: Officers could use testimony opportunities to intimidate witnesses or influence the investigative process, potentially undermining accountability mechanisms for misconduct
  • Definitions and scope: Unclear which "law enforcement officers" qualify and at what investigation stage notice must be provided

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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