HB 1006 will mandate de-escalation trainings, defines chokeholds tactics, hold officers accountable for misusing body cameras, and increases transparency of law enforcement disciplinary actions

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today celebrated the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus’s (IBLC) success in the full passage of House Bill 1006, a criminal justice bill which will enforce de-escalation training for officers, defines chokeholds as deadly force, criminally penalizes officers who turn off body cameras to hide unlawful behavior, and establishes safeguards against an officer trying to cover up past disciplinary actions. The bill’s passage out of the Indiana General Assembly comes after the IBLC introduced their agenda to level the playing field and provide greater opportunity for Black and Brown Hoosiers across Indiana. 

“The Black Lives Matter Movement last summer sparked an important conversation about why Indiana must do everything possible to deliver equitable opportunities for our families, including Black and Brown Hoosiers,” said John Zody, Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party. “The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus put this talk into action by passing House Bill 1006, and through their hard work and leadership on this effort, Indiana has now begun the process of leveling the playing field for all Hoosiers, and not just a few. There’s more work to be accomplished, but this moment is yet another reminder that when Hoosiers elect Democrats, stuff gets done.” 

Even with the success of House Bill 1006, IBLC’s work is far from over. Earlier this month, the Black Caucus announced their legislative agenda that is forward-thinking and brings a hybrid approach of continuing the important conversations from the Black Lives Matter protests last summer. This includes measures like House Bill 1444, which would create a student support program for our Black, Brown, and underserved students at our schools. 

The Indiana Republican Party’s criminal justice agenda tells a different story. According to media reports, their legislation could be viewed as a direct response to the protests from last summer. Not to mention, this agenda is a direct contradiction of the INGOP’s “local control, small government” brand — proving once again that the Republicans are a party without a vision for Indiana and its families. 

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