State Lawmakers Working On Police Reform, Certification Process

BOSTON — State lawmakers are working on police reform legislation that would outlaw chokeholds and require officers to be certified.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo and State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez said in a joint statement they aim to have a bill for Gov. Charlie Baker by July 31. Gonzalez chairs the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.

Baker is also working on legislation to establish a certification process for police officers, according to The Boston Globe. The Globe said Massachusetts is one of only a few states without such a process.

"Together, we are outlining short-term actions required to help address structural inequalities that lead to racial bias — both implicit and explicit — while identifying ways to make continued progress on issues that require additional review," DeLeo and Gonzalez said.

In addition to banning police chokeholds, their legislation will also push for certification, enhanced training and an independent Office of Police Standards and Professional Conduct. Police officers would be obligated to intervene when a fellow officer is using inappropriate force.

"Establishment of a special legislative commission to study and examine the civil service law and recommend changes to ensure more opportunity for minority recruitment," DeLeo and Gonzalez said.