Gov. Walz signs police accountability bill

Gov. Tim Walz signed a police accountability bill into law Thursday that includes a ban on neck restraints like the one that was used on George Floyd before his death in Minneapolis.

The bill, passed by the Legislature earlier this week, also bans chokeholds and so-called warrior-style training, which critics say promotes excessive force. It imposes a duty to intercede on officers who see a colleague using excessive force.

"This bipartisan bill follows decades of advocacy by communities of color," said Walz. "And it is a good first step. These are long-overdue changes, but they do not end the conversation we’re having about police accountability. The POCI Caucus has shown tremendous leadership on this issue and I look forward to continuing our work with them to bring meaningful reform."

The bill also changes rules on the use of force to stress the sanctity of life and makes changes in arbitration rules affecting police unions.
Officers will get more training on dealing with people with mental health issues and autism. The measure also creates a new advisory council for the state board that licenses officers.

"I am proud to stand with legislators who have put in hard work and long nights to get this police accountability and reform package across the finish line," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. "There is more that we need to do to make sure that Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color feel safe and valued in their communities. This bipartisan bill is the start of building a public safety system that serves and protects all Minnesotans."

Passage of the bill came after nearly two months of difficult negotiations that followed Floyd’s death May 25 and the ensuing unrest that spread around the world over police brutality and racism.

The Black man was restrained face down in the street while handcuffed and with three officers holding him down, including a white officer who had a knee to Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes.

Watch the full press conference below.