header logo
Mogo Academy
Latest
US House passes police reform act named for George Floyd
Mar 04, 202102:43 PM
US House passes police reform act named for George Floyd
Mobitel Inner

The US House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday banning controversial police tactics and easing the way for lawsuits against officers violating suspects’ constitutional rights, although the measure’s Senate prospects were uncertain.

 

Democrats pushed the “George Floyd Justice in Policing Act” through the House by a vote of 220-212, with the support of only one Republican, just days before former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin goes on trial on a state murder charge in the death of Floyd last year.

 

However, later on, Wednesday evening, Representative Lance Gooden, the sole Republican who voted for the legislation, wrote in a post on Twitter that his vote had been a mistake and in fact, he opposes the bill.

 

Floyd, 46, an African-American man, died when he was detained with Chauvin kneeling on his neck for nearly eight minutes. His killing sparked weeks of nationwide and global protests, many of which were led by Black Lives Matter activists.

 

“How many more people have to die, how many more people have to be brutalized on videotape” before police reforms become law, asked Democratic Representative Karen Bass, who wrote the legislation with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler.

 

The bill includes measures such as restricting certain funds to local governments that allow law enforcement officers to use chokeholds, banning “no-knock warrants” that allow police officers to enter premises without announcing themselves, and requiring law enforcement agencies to provide data on instances when police officers used deadly force.

 

Bass said the bill would hold police “accountable” when constitutional rights are violated but would also support local law enforcement by fostering improvements in community policing, especially for minority neighborhoods.

 

One of its most controversial provisions would change “qualified immunity” for police, further opening the door for lawsuits over the use of excessive force.

 

Reuters in May 2020 published an investigation revealing how qualified immunity, with the Supreme Court’s continual refinements, had made it easier for police officers to kill or injure civilians with impunity.

 

Conservative Republicans have attacked the Democratic bill, saying it would put law enforcement lives in danger and make communities less safe.

 

The police reform effort sputtered in Congress last summer after the House passed the so-called George Floyd bill and Democrats blocked a Senate Republican bill.

 

While the Republican bill also addressed issues such as police chokeholds, no-knock warrants, and the use of police body cameras, Democrats complained it relied on incentives rather than mandating changes.

 

Senator Tim Scott, the author of the Republican bill, told Reuters in a statement he welcomed conversations with Democrats over qualified immunity.

 

 

 

MostRead
Mobitel Upahara
VideoStories
Farmers struggle continues as paddy prices plummet; PMB buys over 1 million kg of ‘Yala’ paddy

Farmers struggle continues as paddy prices plummet; PMB buys over 1 million kg of ‘Yala’ paddy

“Final salute to a dedicated officer ”Former IGP Wickramaratne laid to rest with full police honours

“Final salute to a dedicated officer ”Former IGP Wickramaratne laid to rest with full police honours

 Dengue situation worsening in Sri Lanka; Caseload surpasses 76,000 with 162 MOH areas at high risk

Dengue situation worsening in Sri Lanka; Caseload surpasses 76,000 with 162 MOH areas at high risk

 12 years at the heart of every breaking story Ada Derana News Channel marks another milestone

12 years at the heart of every breaking story Ada Derana News Channel marks another milestone

“Sri Lanka reclassified as Upper-Middle Income economy” What are the benefits for the people?

“Sri Lanka reclassified as Upper-Middle Income economy” What are the benefits for the people?

Former Presidents, politicians pay last respects to ex-Police Chief; Final rites tomorrow in Borella

Former Presidents, politicians pay last respects to ex-Police Chief; Final rites tomorrow in Borella

Women account for most dengue fatalities in 2026; PHIs take legal action against 10,000 individuals

Women account for most dengue fatalities in 2026; PHIs take legal action against 10,000 individuals

“Many have lost faith and trust in God” Cardinal says modern society prefers football over religion

“Many have lost faith and trust in God” Cardinal says modern society prefers football over religion

Govt has belittled and ridiculed country's farmers - MP Dilith Jayaweera

Govt has belittled and ridiculed country's farmers - MP Dilith Jayaweera

Who supplied fake QR stickers found on liquor bottles? MP Harsha de Silva questions

Who supplied fake QR stickers found on liquor bottles? MP Harsha de Silva questions

Farmers raise concerns over unopened govt paddy warehouses

Farmers raise concerns over unopened govt paddy warehouses

Over 1,500 fatalities reported from road accidents so far this year - Sri Lanka Police

Over 1,500 fatalities reported from road accidents so far this year - Sri Lanka Police

Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne found dead in suspected suicide at Malabe residence

Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne found dead in suspected suicide at Malabe residence

Appeal Courts postpones further hearing of Suresh Sallay’s writ petition to July 21

Appeal Courts postpones further hearing of Suresh Sallay’s writ petition to July 21

“Democracy must be defended from elected leaders” - Former BASL President

“Democracy must be defended from elected leaders” - Former BASL President

Lassana Flora