Proposed legislation in the Michigan House would deny legal immunity to police who act with unreasonable force.
Editor's Note: The original version of this story incorrectly stated Breonna Taylor was asleep at the time she was shot.
Law enforcement officers are protected by a provision known as qualified immunity.
That means they’re shielded from civil liability for serious injury or death if their actions fall within the scope of their official duties.
The proposal from four members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus would strip that protection from police who exert unjustified violence.
“It puts the officer on notice that you’re going to be held responsible and not just get a pass because of your bad actions,” says Rep. Cynthia A. Johnson (D-Detroit).
Johnson says a future bill might including bonding Michigan police officers, which would require them to purchase their own personal liability insurance.
The proposal was announced just one day after a grand jury cleared a former Louisville, KY police officer in the killing of Breonna Taylor.
That decision has sparked protests across the U.S.
