California bills to discourage shootings by police advance
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California lawmakers are advancing two bills designed to discourage shootings by police.
Senators on Thursday kept alive legislation that would make California the first to significantly restrict when officers can open fire. The measure would change the current "reasonable force" standard to "necessary force."
Senators positioned the bill so supporters can continue negotiating with law enforcement opponents before the Legislature adjourns at month's end.
Meanwhile, the Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced legislation that would make public police reports when officers are found to have improperly used force or fired a gun, as well as confirmed cases of law enforcement misconduct such as committing sexual assaults or being dishonest in their official duties.
That Senate-approved measure now heads to a vote by the full Assembly.