Attorney General Ford Urges U.S. Senate to Pass George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021


April 7, 2021

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House Previously Passed the Measure that Gives State AGs Authority to Investigate Unconstitutional Policing

Las Vegas, NV – Today, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford joined a coalition of ten attorneys general urging the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, which will reform law enforcement agencies nationwide and give state attorneys general clear statutory authority to investigate patterns or practices of unconstitutional policing.

The coalition issued a letter today to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell calling on the Senate to pass House Resolution (>H.R.) 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021. The legislation requires law enforcement agencies throughout the country to enact reforms and gives state attorneys general authority to investigate and address patterns or practices of unconstitutional policing, as well as to acquire data about use of excessive force by officers.

“As Nevada’s attorney general, my focus is on justice, and the passage of this Act is critical to bringing justice on behalf of those who have been victimized and mistreated,” said AG Ford. “The killing of George Floyd and several other individuals has sparked outrage and sadness from millions of Americans, and I’m urging the Senate to pass this police reform legislation as quickly as possible so that attorneys general like me can help pursue justice.”

AG Ford and the coalition calling on the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 as arguments begin in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is accused of the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd. The legislation is aimed at improving police accountability, transparency in policing practices, and police training and policies. As a result of previous discussions with Congressional leadership, the measure was amended to give state attorneys general authority to conduct pattern-or-practice investigations, particularly in the event that the U.S. Department of Justice fails to use its authority to act. The legislation gives state attorneys general authority to issue subpoenas as part of pattern-or-practice investigations and, when necessary, take action in federal district court. The legislation also authorizes appropriations of up to $100 million for a federal grant program to help state attorneys general fund pattern-or-practice investigations during fiscal years 2022 to 2024.

In addition to enabling attorneys general to conduct pattern-or-practice investigations, H.R. 1280 would allow them to acquire data about the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. Such data would be especially important when identifying law enforcement agencies that have above-average rates of excessive force complaints, which can help identify at-risk law enforcement agencies before a devastating incident occurs. For example, Chauvin had 18 prior complaints filed against him with the Minneapolis Police Department’s Internal Affairs.

Joining AG Ford in calling on the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 are the attorneys general of District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Virginia.

The letter is attached.

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