Bill > SB279

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to establish comprehensive guidelines for use of force policies in law enforcement agencies. The legislation requires every law enforcement agency to develop and implement a written policy governing when and how officers can use force, with specific requirements for policy content. The bill defines key terms like "deadly force" (force capable of causing death or serious bodily injury), "choke hold" (a maneuver restricting breathing), and sets detailed guidelines for decision-making around force deployment. Officers must receive initial and annual training on use of force, considering factors such as crime severity, immediate safety threats, and the potential for harm. The bill mandates that agencies prohibit choke holds except in deadly force scenarios and requires agencies to post their use of force policies publicly online and make physical copies available upon request. The Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission will be responsible for biennially certifying that each law enforcement agency has an appropriate use of force policy in effect. The policy is intended to provide clear guidelines for agencies and officers while not mandating specific actions in individual incidents. The new law will take effect 60 days after passage, giving agencies time to develop and implement compliant policies.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=279