A bill establishing limitations and requirements for police tactics and equipment has a hearing scheduled for this week.
Rep. Jesse Johnson (D–Federal Way) and Rep. Debra Entenman (D–Kent) introduced HB 1054, which restricts the tools and tactics police can use
in the line of duty. These restrictions include:
- Banning chokeholds or neck restraints on another person;
- Requiring that police dogs remain leashed if being used to arrest or apprehend an individual;
- Banning the purchase or use of tear gas for any purpose;
- Prohibiting law enforcement agencies from acquiring or using any military equipment; and
- Barring officers from obtaining no-knock warrants.
Additionally, the bill directs the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to:
- Develop a new model policy on vehicular pursuits by December 1, 2021; and
- Establish and maintain a central repository of information regarding vehicular pursuits. Law enforcement agencies would be mandated to report vehicular pursuit data to the CJTC monthly.
Dates to remember
HB 1054 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Public Safety Committee at 8 am on Tuesday, January 12.