A bill that defines physical force and attempts to address the issue of investigatory holds by law enforcement is scheduled to receive a public hearing this week.

HB 2037, sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman, (D–Kirkland), provides a definition of physical force by a law enforcement officer. Additionally, the bill expands the permitted instances under which a law enforcement officer may use physical force to include preventing a person from fleeing a temporary investigative detention. A temporary investigative detention is commonly known as a “Terry stop.”

While the definition of physical force is still a work in progress, AWC supports HB 2037.

Date to remember

HB 2037 is scheduled to receive a public hearing in the House Public Safety Committee on January 25 at 8 am.