House passes bill creating uniform statewide licensure and oversight for constables under DOPL

Representative Tasha Tuscher presented second substitute SB 218 and framed the bill as modernization of oversight for constables statewide. She recounted the historical role of constables and said the bill moves the registration and oversight process to the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) to create a uniform licensure program while maintaining existing powers and appointment structures.

"What Senate Bill 2 18 does is ... create a clear and uniform statewide licensure and oversight process for registering constables," Tuscher told the House, adding that the bill does not expand constables' powers or create new bureaucracies for counties and cities.

Representative Albrecht asked whether constables would be required to have police training or academy credentials. Tuscher answered that the bill does not itself mandate formal police training; instead it creates a formalized statewide process under DOPL that will set uniform requirements.

The House voted to pass second substitute SB 218; the clerk reported a 71–1 vote. The measure will be signed by the Speaker and transmitted to the Senate for the President's signature or further action.

What the bill does: creates a statewide licensure and oversight program for constables under DOPL, standardizing appointment and complaint processes and clarifying oversight without expanding statutory authority.