SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah lawmakers voted to ban knee-to-neck chokeholds similar to the one used in the death of George Floyd during a special session Thursday, though the measure stops short of criminalizing the use of all chokehold methods.
Several police departments have banned the use of chokeholds amid nationwide protests against police brutality. New York state has passed legislation banning it.
The bill would prohibit officers from placing their knees on the necks of people being detained and bar law enforcement agencies from teaching officers how to use chokeholds and carotid restraints.
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Officers who use knee-to-neck holds could face up to a first-degree felony if the violation leads to someone’s death.