SALT LAKE CITY-A bill explicitly prohibiting the knee-on-neck methods of restraint has passed the Utah House and next advances to the Senate for consideration.
Salt Lake City Democrat Sandra Hollins is the sponsor of HB5007 which also prohibits law enforcement officers from being trained in the use of such tactics.
Hollins said the bill was negotiated over the course of weeks with input from Utah law enforcement agencies.
This passed the chamber on a 69-5 vote.
Republican Representative Norm Thurston of Provo expressed concerns about the bill, saying lawmakers should not rush to create legislation in a response to a public incident.
However, it should take more time and come back to the problem in the next general session.
St. George Republican Representative Travis Seegmiller thanked Hollins for her hard work on the bill but wondered if the bill may force officers to use even more dangerous tactics by taking an option away from them.
Seegmiller ultimately voted for this bill.
The bill is being sponsored in the Senate by Majority Leader, Cedar City Republican Evan Vickers.
