WASHINGTON— Today, the House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that addresses police brutality and systemic racism by bringing much needed reform, accountability, and transparency to police departments.

“Just a month after his tragic death at the hands of police brutality, George Floyd’s legacy remains alive in the legislation we passed today,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. “The legislation doesn’t just ensure that bad officers face consequences, but also begins to address the institutional issues that have allowed racist policies and institutionalized bias to flourish in police departments across the country. We sent a clear message to the American public today: Accountability and transparency matter.”

The bill includes numerous reforms to policing practices and accountability including banning chokeholds, ending no-knock warrants, and ending qualified immunity while also combatting racial profiling, creating a national database for police misconduct, and establishing new police standards.

“Congress heard the cries of the protesters and those who took to the streets demanding reform,” continued Rep. Grijalva. “This legislation reaffirms that Black and Brown lives matter and is a step forward toward ensuring that sentiment is reflected in our local police departments.”  

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