George Floyd Justice and Policing Act (explained by When We All Vote)

What is the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act?
The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is a bill that would provide our country with a way to take a vital step towards meaningful criminal justice reform. It is named for George Floyd, a Black man who was a brother, a father and a grandfather, and an active community member, who was murdered by police in 2020. The House of Representatives recently passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The Senate now has the opportunity to pass this bill.

What would the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act do?
If passed, this sweeping legislation would:

  • Ban chokeholds at the federal level

  • Make it easier to pursue claims of police misconduct

  • End “qualified immunity” for law enforcement

  • Increase accountability for police officers

  • Forbid no-knock warrants (in certain cases)

  • Mandate data collection on police encounters

  • Prohibit racial and religious profiling

  • Redirect funding to community-based policing programs

Have there been other bills introduced or laws implemented like this one before?
In 2020, the House passed a similar version of the bill, but it died in the Republican-led Senate. In 2021, at least 10 Senate Republicans would need to join all Senate Democrats to support the bill in order for it to pass.

What can I do to help?
We can stop history from repeating itself by calling our senators and making our voices heard. Call your senators and urge them to support this important legislation.

CALL YOUR SENATORS

Try to call on a business day during standard business hours, 9 AM-5 PM ET. But if you’re calling at night or on a weekend, leave a voicemail and your message will still get to your senator.

We know that even after this bill is passed, we will still need to work to end systemic racism and police brutality. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is a critical first step. Together, we can work to make our country one in which everyone feels safe and can make their voice heard. Thanks for being a part of our team. 

~ When We All Vote


Susan Meltsner