Signed by Governor Ralph Northam

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that prohibits the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the use of a neck restraint by a law enforcement officer unless it is immediately necessary to protect the enforcement officer or another person (Sec. 1).

• Defines “neck restraint” as the use of any body part or object to attempt to control or disable a person by applying pressure against the neck, including the trachea or carotid artery, with the purpose, intent, or effect of controlling or restricting the person’s movement or restricting the person’s blood flow or breathing, including chokeholds, carotid restraints, and lateral vascular neck restraints (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that any law enforcement officer who knowingly violates the provisions of this bill will be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal, demotion, suspension, or transfer or decertification of the officer (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers.

Highlights:

• Specifies that any law enforcement officer who uses a neck restraint in the performance of their official duties is guilty of a Class 6 felony (Sec. 1).

• Defines “neck restraint” as the use of any body part or object to attempt to control or disable a person by applying pressure against the neck, including the trachea or carotid artery, with the purpose, intent, or effect of controlling or restricting the person’s movement or restricting the person’s blood flow or breathing, including chokeholds, carotid restraints, and lateral vascular neck restraints (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text