All You Need to Know About State Police Reforms

By June 16, three state legislatures had passed at least nine policing reform bills. Another seven are awaiting the governor’s signature. While police reform usually happens locally, where cities decide how to fund and regulate their police forces, state legislatures can bundle several bills into an omnibus bill.

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

The state’s police department will have to adopt new policies or lose state funding. That’s one of the many changes Governor Cuomo plans to make in the state’s police system. Cuomo said that the new laws are “historic” and will “help improve the lives of New Yorkers.” He praised the Assembly for its “quick and effective action.”

Minnesota, Minnesota, and Illinois have enacted reforms.

After the murder of Michael Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer Derek Chauvin was put on trial for the killing. The prosecution was taped, and many asked, “How could this have happened?” Despite the recent reforms, people still have concerns about police practices.

Iowa passed a bill

In a significant move, Iowa’s state legislature has passed a bill enacting various state police reforms. This legislation would prohibit officers from using deadly force unless they have a valid warrant, and it would ban officers from using excessive force if they kill someone. The bill also requires officers to attend annual de-escalation and bias prevention training. It would also require the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy to develop new guidelines for officers’ training.

New Jersey passed a bill

Governor Phil Murphy has signed a bill that requires state police to comply with uniform standards. The law is a significant step in improving the quality of law enforcement in the state. Despite some bad apples in law enforcement, most police officers in New Jersey are upright, dedicated, and caring. The new legislation should help eliminate the bad apples and keep the good officers.

Iowa passed a resolution

Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill to give incarcerated individuals a second chance to obtain a degree. It also provides money to improve transportation for reentering citizens. It mandates law enforcement to collect data on race and ethnicity during stops. You can use this information to study profiling in Iowa.

Minnesota has passed a bill

The state legislature in Minnesota has passed a bill to reform state law enforcement. The account attempts to ensure police officers are held accountable for their actions. It also calls for transparency in the police department and greater accountability. But critics say the bill doesn’t go far enough. Democratic Rep. Carlos Mariani, chair of the House’s Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee, plans to add amendments to the bill during Tuesday’s floor debate. His proposed amendments could upset a deal made between Senate and House leaders.

Minnesota has passed a resolution

Top Republican and Democratic leaders praised the bill as a necessary compromise on police reform and a significant change to the state’s policing laws. However, many said that more needs to be done to change the way the state police operate. For example, one senator called the bill “a good first step” but said it did not go far enough.

Illinois has passed a resolution

The state’s Senate passed a resolution on state police reforms on Jan. 12. It amends the Uniform Peace Officers Disciplinary Act to reduce the time a law enforcement officer has to investigate complaints. In addition, a complaint against a police officer will no longer require an affidavit. The legislation also removes the requirement for investigative and administrative investigation notices, which are currently required under collective bargaining agreements.