California legislature passes bill banning certain police holds

The California legislature passed a bill Thursday banning police officers from using certain holds when arresting suspects.

The bill passed the state’s Assembly in a 50-15 vote and says police cannot use certain holds that heighten the risk of “positional asphyxia,” The Associated Press reported.

The type of holds defined in the bill are ones where a suspect is face down and pressure is applied to their neck, torso or back that could cut off breathing. 

The bill was introduced by a former police officer, Assemblyman Mike Gipson (D), and denounced by the California State Sheriffs’ Association.

The association said the bill is “overly broad” and would require officers to use alternatives such as batons and tasers if a suspect is violent.

Although the group does “appreciate the concerns that are the genesis of this measure,” the bill “neglects situations in which a subject creates a threat of death or serious bodily injury to an officer or another person.”

States have taken second looks at their policing rules, particularly around holds, since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. California had already banned most chokeholds.

The state’s Senate also passed a bill Wednesday that says licenses can be revoked for problematic officers. 

The bill against certain police holds Thursday has been sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) office to be signed, the AP noted.