Senators debated Senate Bill 533 on Feb. 18, a measure that would alter the time limits for filing administrative charges in police discipline matters and clarify when the limitation clock starts where criminal investigation overlaps exist.

Sponsor Senator Faulden told colleagues the bill changes the rule so that administrative charges must be filed within a year and a day in many cases but acknowledges exceptions when a matter reasonably appears to be the subject of a criminal investigation. The statute would require agencies to file administrative charges within a year and a day of the determination that the matter is not subject to criminal charges or the prosecutor declines to seek charges.

Why it matters: The bill attempts to resolve timing problems law enforcement and oversight bodies face when a misconduct matter overlaps with a criminal prosecution, while preserving prosecutorial discretion and ensuring disciplinary processes proceed in a timely way.

The bill carried one committee amendment (adding committee sponsors) that the Senate adopted. The sponsor asked to special‑order the bill to later in the calendar and the body later moved the measure to the appropriate time tomorrow for further floor action.

What’s next: SB 533 will return at a later floor period for amendment or final action; the sponsor and committee members said they will provide additional clarifications and that the bill reflects discussion with stakeholders.