An overhead view of the Nevada Senate chambers on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020 during the third day of the 32nd Special Session of the Legislature in Carson City.
Nevada Appeal Capitol Bureau
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
The Nevada Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that puts restraints on law enforcement officers, limiting the use of force to that needed to affect an arrest or control a demonstration or other situation.
Sen. Dallas Harris, D-Las Vegas, described it as a set of common sense changes.
She said SB212 prohibits officers from indiscriminately firing projectiles into a crowd, targeting a protester’s head, pelvis or spine unless the person poses an immediate threat or physical harm or death to the peace officer or others. It also prohibits the use of a chemical agent without first declaring that the protest is an unlawful assembly and providing orders to disburse.
Police agencies would also be required to report use of force incidents to the state Central Repository and submit an annual report to the governor and lawmakers. The report must also be made public.
SB212 was approved 12-9 on a party line vote with Republicans against the measure. Sen. Ira Hansen, R-Sparks, described it as an attack on law enforcement.
It goes to the Assembly for consideration.
