nashobavalleyvoice.com
State senators postponed a much-anticipated vote on a sweeping police reform package Thursday after pushback from police unions over the bill’s bid to end qualified immunity and allow officers to be held personally liable for misconduct on the job.
“The reforms contained in this bill are wide-reaching. Many focus on reducing misconduct, police brutality and discrimination,” state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz said on the Senate floor.
Senate Democrats are seeking to fast-track the bill filed earlier this week, building on the momentum of a wave of national protests triggered by the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police.
With barely three weeks remaining in the legislative session, the bill must gain the approval of both branches before heading to the governor’s desk. The Senate will reconvene Friday at 10 a.m.
