DES MOINES, Iowa - Some Democratic state lawmakers are calling for new checks on law enforcement conduct after more than a week of protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody.
A group of lawmakers announced the More Perfect Union Plan on the steps of the capitol Thursday.
The legislation includes three proposals:ban police choke-holds, make it illegal to rehire police fired for misconduct, and allow the Attorney General to investigate police misconduct.
The lawmakers, which include Democrats Zack Wahls of Coralville and Ras Smith of Waterloo, want the bill passed in the current session that's been shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic..
Governor Kim Reynolds addressed the issue of racial justice during her Thursday press conference. “We're not going to fix this overnight, but we need to listen," said Reynolds. "We need to understand, and we need to show we are making progress along the way.”
Republican House Speaker Pat Grassley of New Hartford said House Republicans are open to addressing racial disparities in Iowa.
“I appreciate the proposals that the Democrats have brought forward today and look forward to seeing the actual language that they are proposing so we can try to find common ground,” Grassley said in a statement.