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Senate adopts second substitute to create certification and decertification process for private-campus police
Summary
Second substitute SB 191—sponsored by Sen. Bramble and discussed at length—removes a secrecy provision restricting disclosure of officer disciplinary charges and sets up criteria and procedures for certifying private-institution police agencies (explicitly discussed in context of BYU). The substitute passed unanimously on the floor and will go to the House.
The Senate approved second substitute Senate Bill 191, a measure that updates how private-campus police agencies (for example, a university police department) are certified and how discipline, probation and potential decertification would be handled.
Senator Bramble explained the substitute does two principal things: it repeals a provision in statute that prevented public disclosure of disciplinary charges when an officer did not appeal, and it establishes a statutory framework for certifying private institutions’ police agencies and for decertification procedures. He described the change as restoring transparency and creating a clear administrative and judicial path for decertification when egregious conduct occurs.
Sponsor comments emphasized negotiations with major stakeholders, including the Department of Public Safety and the private institution named in floor discussion (BYU). Bramble said the language sets a stricter criteria for probation and decertification and that, under the substitute, any decertification ultimately could end up in district court with defined standards.
No senators on the floor voiced sustained opposition; the second substitute passed (28–0, 1 absent) and will be transmitted to the House. Supporters said the measure brings accountability and a known legal process where courts previously found statutory authority lacking; critics raised (in committee) questions about scope but the floor record shows general agreement after stakeholder negotiation.
By restoring public disclosure language and defining a path for probation and decertification, the bill changes transparency and oversight for private policing agencies in Utah.
