Hogan presses for law against Taser use

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(AP) " A Nevada legislator pressed Wednesday for a state law to prevent Taser use that could result in deaths, but faced opposition from police who said they already have thorough stun-gun policies in place.

Assemblyman Joe Hogan, D-Las Vegas, told the Assembly Government Affairs Committee that his AB273 is aimed at bringing "calm and stability" to the contentious issue of such devices, and wouldn't interfere with their proper use by authorities.

Hogan's bill provides that police must be trained in handling Tasers, and use the devices if there's "an immediate threat of serious bodily harm" to an officer or anyone else. They couldn't be used to enforce a routine order or on someone who's already handcuffed or otherwise restrained.

Storey County Sheriff Jim Miller, head of the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association, and Washoe County Sheriff's Det. Marc Bello, a Taser expert, also opposed the bill, with Miller saying more officers would be hurt if unable to use the devices.

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