The last full week of floor action saw several police reform bills advance out of their respective chambers.
HB 1054 restricts the tools and tactics police can utilize. As amended, the bill passed the House
on a 54-43 vote and picked up several amendments along the way, including:
- Removing certain types of equipment from the definition of “military equipment”;
- Allowing the use of tear gas in specific circumstances; however, the use of tear gas would now require the authorization of the chief law enforcement officer;
- Permitting officers to fire upon a moving vehicle in limited circumstances including if the vehicle is being used as a deadly weapon; and
- Establishing a workgroup headed by the Criminal Justice Training Commission to develop a model policy and training program for police K9 units.
HB 1310 passed out of the House over the weekend with a 55-42 vote. It is now in the Senate, awaiting
a policy hearing in the Law & Justice Committee. The House adopted two amendments that allow officers to use necessary force to:
- Protect their life or the life of another person
- Protect against criminal conduct where there is probable cause to make an arrest.
AWC supports the legislation and remains actively engaged in negotiating the language and standards in the bill, and the concerns expressed by law enforcement representatives. AWC will continue to work on the bill in the Senate.
HB 1267 establishes the Office of Independent Investigations (OII) which would investigate serious
use of force incidents and criminal acts by a law enforcement officer that merit the filing of criminal charges. The bill passed the House with a vote of 57-39. HB 1267 picked up one amendment from the prime sponsor, Rep. Debra Entenman
(D–Kent). The amendment clarifies that the OII has jurisdiction over all use-of-deadly-force incidents including in correction facilities. Additionally, the amendment requires the OII to direct agencies as to what types of use of force incidents,
injuries, or circumstances are required to be reported by the agency to the OII.
SB 5066 requires law enforcement officers to intervene and report any use of excessive force by
another officer. The bill passed the Senate with a 28-21 vote. It did not adopt any amendments on the Senate floor and is now scheduled in committee for a public hearing.
Dates to remember
HB 1054 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Thursday, March 11 at 10:30 am.
SB 5066 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Public Safety Committee on Friday, March 12 at 10 am.