Michigan lawmakers introduced a package of police reform bills nearly 11-months ago that addressed unwarranted police tactics and training. After the fatal shooting death of an unarmed black motorist at the hands of a white Grand Rapids police officer, Senate democrats this week are asking why the bills are still in committee.
“You know, we do all these B.S. bills in this place about police, but we never do any that actually matter. Because yet again a black man, Patrick Lyoya, is dead," Michigan Democratic Senator Erika Geiss of Taylor said. "Murdered, at the hands of those who are supposed to protect and to serve us.”
From the Senate floor, Geiss questioned why the 16-bill Justice for All police reform package introduced in May of 2021 languishes in committee. The bills address, among other things, chuck holds, no-knock warrants and unreasonable use of force and misconduct.
“There are members from both caucuses on the package," Geiss said. "You know, we did have the hearings almost a year ago, but we’re getting to that point where they still have to clear this chamber. They still have to get through the next chamber and to the governor’s desk.”
Geiss explains time is running out. She says the bills support justice, accountability and reform promoting de-escalation in situations like the traffic stop that took the life of Patrick Lyoya.