Modifies provisions relating to the Board of Police Commissioners

SCS/SB 1657 - This act modifies provisions regarding the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners. Under current law the Board has the authority to pay additional compensation to sergeants and above provided that the funding is not paid from the general funds of either the city or the Board. This act allows for the payment of additional compensation to lieutenants and above if the Board determines such additional compensation is appropriate, and repeals the part of the provision to that prohibits the use of general funds.

Currently, the Board cannot transfer appropriated funds from one line item to another. This act repeals this provision and provides that the Board has the authority to adopt and certify its budget. There shall be no transfer from one character classification of expenditure in the Board budget to another character classification without the approval of the Board.

Under current law, the Governor appoints a transition director to ensure an orderly transition of control of the St. Louis police force from the city to the Board of Police Commissioners. This act extends the implementation period from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027.

Upon the assumption of control by the Board, this act provides that the Board, rather than the state, shall be responsible for any contractual obligations of the police department.

This act is similar to SB 1491 (2026), and HB 3066 (2026) . TRISTAN BENSON, JR.