Congressman Brady Sponsors the JUSTICE Act

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Today, Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-08) released the following statement after becoming an original co-sponsor of theJUSTICE Act, legislation that offers real solutions to increase transparency, accountability, and performance in our nation’s law enforcement:

“I’m proud to be an original co-sponsor of the JUSTICE Act – meaningful legislation introduced in the House by my colleague and former police officer of 20 years, Congressman Pete Stauber. With critical reforms such as requiring reporting when use of force and no knock warrants are used, sharing disciplinary records for officer hiring consideration, and developing training on de-escalation tactics, this bill ensures our police officers are better prepared to protect and care for the communities they serve.

'Community groups and law enforcement leaders agree on these commonsense reforms, and the JUSTICE Act will provide real solutions, not just political talking points.'

BACKGROUND:

The JUSTICE Act, legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and in the House by Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN), will improve law enforcement performance, transparency, and accountability. This bill contains reforms called for by law enforcement and community groups.

Some highlights of the legislation include;

Law Enforcement Reforms

Requires reporting on Use of Force, No Knock Warrants, incentivizes chokehold bans, and increases penalties for false police reports.

Provides data on the use of force that involves death, serious bodily injury, or the discharge of a firearm, by law enforcement and against law enforcement.

Restricts the use of chokeholds, except in situations where deadly force is authorized.

Justice for Victims of Lynching

Makes lynching a federal crime.

Incentivizes the Use of Body-Cameras

Ensures that there are clear standards for privacy and data retention and that footage is made publicly available when appropriate to promote community confidence and transparency. These standards will also serve to increase accountability in law enforcement without sacrificing the privacy rights of third parties or the integrity of on-going investigations.

Alternatives to the Use of Force, De-Escalation, Behavioral Health Crises, and Duty to Intervene Training

The DOJ will develop and provide training on de-escalation and implementation and fulfilment of duty to intervene policies.

Law Enforcement Agency Hiring and Education

Helps to ensure law enforcement agency personnel are reflective of the communities they serve, and creates an African American History Museum education program for law enforcement.

Full text of the JUSTICE Act can be found here.