House approves ban on certain police use-of-force tactics

OLYMPIA — A ban on the use of chokeholds, military equipment, and most types of car chases by law enforcement passed the House of Representatives after lawmakers voted along party lines in a 54-43 vote Feb. 27.

HB 1054 was the subject of much debate. Some Republican leaders said the bill went too far to strip police of self-defense options, and Democrats said the bill addressed a growing problem with violence and racism in law enforcement.

“While Washington State still has work to do to demand equity in our law enforcement, today’s vote is a step forward toward justice, accountability and raci...