This week, the Senate concurred with House amendments to SB 5352 revising the restrictions on police pursuits. The next step for the bill
is the Governor’s desk for signature and passage into law.
The final version of SB 5352 authorizes a law enforcement officer to engage in a vehicular pursuit if all the following conditions are met:
- The officer has ‘reasonable suspicion’ that the driver or a passenger:
- Has committed or is committing a violent offense, sex offense, or an escape; or
- Is driving under the influence.
- The pursuit is necessary to identify or apprehend the person.
- The person poses an imminent threat to the safety of others.
- The safety risks of failing to apprehend or identify the person are considered greater than the safety risks associated with engaging in a pursuit.
The bill also requires the officer to receive authorization and oversight from a supervisor (or on-call supervisor in jurisdictions with fewer than fifteen commissioned officers) to engage in a vehicular pursuit. Officers must take emergency vehicle operator
training that includes risk analysis.
If the Governor signs SB 5352, the law will take effect immediately.