Updated on May 25, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
In the year since George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck, more than 260 bills have been approved in state legislatures to ban potentially deadly law enforcement practices and otherwise reform police departments across the country.
Beyond its breadth, the legislation is notable for its speed, said Amber Widgery, a National Conference of State Legislatures research analyst and expert on law enforcement policy. She pointed to a police misconduct bill in Iowa that passed in roughly 48 hours. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get alerts for local breaking news and weather.
Central Pa. police work on change after George Floyd’s murder, but activists hope for more
Updated 6:42 AM;
Today 5:00 AM
A bandshell showcase, featuring live performances and vendors, was held at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg on May 2, 2021. Franky Morton, 4, gets a police bag from Blake Lynch, Director of Community Relations for Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Lynch, who attended with Police Commissioner Thomas Carter, says the appearance gives us an opportunity to be out in the community in a positive way.
Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLiveVicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive
Facebook Share
The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and the subsequent trial and conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin, has prompted police departments across the country to examine their policies and practices. Central Pennsylvania is no exception.
WHYY
By
Police officers keep a watchful eye as peaceful protesters march down Flatbush Avenue on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman)
Derek Chauvin’s conviction on murder charges in the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd was rare, both in terms of the outcome of the trial and what led up to the verdict.
There have been countless cases over the years of law enforcement killing people on camera, and a vast majority of officers have walked away scot-free, despite the very visible blood on their hands. The difference in this case, however, was that the prosecution presented plenty of testimony from law enforcement officials, including Chauvin’s former police colleagues.
WASHINGTON
Although congressional negotiators remain optimistic about reaching agreement on a police-reform bill in the coming weeks, many of the same issues that divided Democrats and Republicans last summer when they first tried to pass policing reform after George Floyd’s murder remain as sticking points.
Lawmakers working mostly behind closed doors hope the conviction last week of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin could provide the tipping point after decades of failed attempts to overhaul policing tactics.
As angry crowds filled the streets last summer to protest Floyd’s killing, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) introduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which passed the House by a 236-181 vote. It would have banned chokeholds, ended “qualified immunity” for law enforcement officers and created national standards for police training. Republicans argued it went too far to federalize policing decisions normally left to states and local ju
increase font size
Police reform bill gets new urgency in Congress, but the obstacles are the same
Lawmakers hope the conviction last week of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin could provide the tipping point after decades of failed attempts to overhaul policing tactics.
By Sarah D. WireLos Angeles Times
Share
WASHINGTON Although congressional negotiators remain optimistic about reaching agreement on a police-reform bill in the coming weeks, many of the same issues that divided Democrats and Republicans last summer when they first tried to pass policing reform after George Floyd’s murder remain as sticking points.
Lawmakers working mostly behind closed doors hope the conviction last week of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin could provide the tipping point after decades of failed attempts to overhaul policing tactics.