DENVER — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Friday signed into law a broad police accountability bill introduced amid protests over the police killing of George Floyd.
Polis, a Democrat, said the new law will help restore trust between law enforcement and the community and that “black Americans deserve to feel safe.”.
The measure eliminates the qualified immunity defense that protects police officers from lawsuits and it now allows them to be sued for misconduct.
Colorado becomes one of the first states in the country to END qualified immunity as part of this historic comprehensive police accountability bill. pic.twitter.com/ZHCKRpSaGL — ACLU of Colorado (@ACLUofColorado) June 19, 2020.
The new law requires all local and Colorado State Patrol officers who have contact with the public to be equipped with body cameras by July 1, 2023.
Grand juries under the law will be required to release reports when they decide against charging officers accused in deaths.
The state Legislature overwhelmingly approved the bill 10 days after it was introduced on June 3. »