After nearly three hours of questions by Republicans, the House passed police accountability legislation Wednesday that would change the way law enforcement and prosecutors release information after a serious use-of-force incident.
Two Democrats, Reps. John Hampton and Ronald Napoli Jr., joined Republicans in voting against the measure, which passed 86-60.SB 380 requires the release of body or dashboard camera video within 96 hours of an incident upon request.
It’s a massive change in the way most police departments release information.
It’s a massive change in the way most police departments release information.
The bill passed unanimously in the Senate a week ago. It reshapes the way police handle use-of-force incidents and fatalities by requiring certain details to be made public on request within a set period of time, and by prohibiting police from firing into fleeing vehicles.
In the House Wednesday, Republicans questioned Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, on nearly every aspect for nearly three hours, pointing out that certain provisions could hamstring officers during life-threatening situations.
“We shouldn’t be dictating what they can and cannot do to keep our communities safe,” Rep. J. P. Sredzinski, R-Monroe, said.
