Washington Governor Jay Inslee has signed a dozen bills reforming police departments across the state. Through these reforms, Inslee has banned no-knock warrants and chokeholds across the state. Police officers will also be obligated to intervene if they witness their colleagues using excessive force and an independent office has been created to review such matters. Not to mention, Inslee has issued legislation that restricts the use of tear gas and car chases.
“As of noon today, we will have the best, most comprehensive, most transparent, most effective police accountability laws in the United States,” Inslee said as he signed a dozen bills last week.
Inslee’s police reform legislation comes as the nation commemorates the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. In cities like Minneapolis, Houston and New York, protests, marches and vigils are being held in his honor. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are struggling to push forth police reform legislation as Washington has. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is currently working with Sens. Tim Scott and Cory Booker are working to get the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act through the Senate. While the bill will not pass by their original May 25 deadline, Lee believes it will get through Congress this summer.
