The Florida Legislative Black Caucus released a series of proposals for the 2021 session Tuesday, aimed at making changes in policing.
The ideas come after nationwide protests last year over the treatment of Black people by police officers.
Among the proposed reforms are bills that would mandate body cameras for all law enforcement agencies, set minimum standards for police training in de-escalation tactics, and require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to keep a database on excessive use of force by officers.
Whether the measures will get hearings in the Republican-controlled legislature remains in question, but House Minority Co-leader Bobby DuBose hopes GOP leadership will hear the bills.
“Our current law enforcement policies aren’t working for everyone, but we can build a new reality where both our communities and our officers feel supported and united," said DuBose
Mirroring the national conversation centered on unjust policing of Black people, the reform measures also aim to repeal Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, limit the offenses for which a no-knock warrant can be issued, and prohibit agencies from buying surplus military equipment.
Also, the caucus is united in opposition to ananti-riot proposal being pushed by Republicans that would create a host of new crimes, crack down on protests and make it difficult for local government officials to trim spending on law enforcement.