Colorado Senate Passes Police Accountability Bill
The Colorado state Senate approved the "Law Enforcement Integrity And Accountability Act" with a 32-1 vote on Tuesday (June 9).
According to 9News, the bill would ban police from using chokeholds, require all officers to have body cameras, and eliminate qualified immunity for police.
It would also prevent fired officers from getting a job at another department, and create a database of use of force complaints.
Democratic Representative Leslie Herod, of Denver, introduced the bill on May 27. She attributes its success to the George Floyd protests throughout the state:
"Don't let anyone tell you that protesting doesn't work or isn't productive. They [Coloradans] have been been venting their anger and frustration at the many black and brown people killed at the hands of law enforcement, which, let's be clear, is happening within our own Colorado communities. [The bill] is, in part, an answer to their call."
However, not everyone is on board with the bill.
Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith is vehemently opposed to the motion, telling 9News that it will prevent officers from pursuing criminal complaints out of fear of losing their livelihoods.
In the meantime, the bill will move on to the House.