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McMorris Rodgers Joins in Introducing Police Reform Legislation
Jun 22, 2020
Press
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joined in introducing the Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere (JUSTICE) Act in the House to reform our nation’s policing and better serve communities of color in America.
“George Floyd’s death highlights the importance of ensuring justice for all — no matter race, creed, or religion. George Floyd represents a shocking failure in our justice system. The rule of law depends on the fairness of the legal system,” said McMorris Rodgers. “This legislation will make reforms to policing in America and work to rebuild the trust that has been broken over recent weeks, months, and years. This legislation will increase transparency and accountability within local police departments and prioritize training resources so our police can better protect and serve our communities.”
This JUSTICE Act will:
- Ban the use of chokeholds
- Require law enforcement agencies to maintain and share disciplinary records for officer hiring considerations
- Require annual reporting on use of force data that involves death, serious bodily injury, or the discharge of a firearm, by law enforcement and against law enforcement.
- Require the DOJ to develop and provide training that will enable law enforcement officers to better serve their communities with a focus on de-escalation techniques and law enforcement interaction with mentally ill individuals
- Provide $500 million in funding for grants for Duty to Intervene training
- Provide $500 million for state and local law enforcement agencies to equip all officers with body cameras, improve the use of body cameras, and store and retain footage
- Make lynching a federal hate crime
Read a summary of the legislation by clicking here.
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