A House committee sends two pieces of legislation from the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus “Justice For All” agenda to the House floor.One is a the first leg of a constitutional amendment explicitly adding protection against discrimination based race, color and national origin to the state Constitution.
The other would ban use of chokeholds by police outside of when deadly force is warranted to protect the life of a civilian or law-enforcement officer.
State Rep. Nmandi Chukuocha (D-Wilmington)) says chokeholds are not taught, so it should be punished accordingly.
"There isn't a law enforcement agency in our state that trains officers to utilize the chokehold. They should not be using it. So all we're saying is if an officer chooses to do so, then he or she will be punished under our law."
The bills received support from community members at the meeting, led by the group Disrupt to Focus, which is looking to improve the relationships between the police and its community. A number of its members were among the 22 people detained by Delaware State Police during a protest in Camden recently, including Jake Svaby.
"We are here to fight for awareness, education, and action on the issues of oppression and systematic racism. We are here in support of both Senate Bill 191 and House Bill 350," said Svaby.
State Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker (D-Wilmington) with the Legislative Black Caucus commended them for showing up, and lawmakers for holding a public committee hearing on the bills, rather than suspending House rules to hold a vote without public input because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"They chose to make sure your voices were heard, so that they can hear and know and feel what you feel in this moment," said Walker. "So, that's why I want to commend you on a job well done."
Both bills advanced with unanimous 5-0 votes in the House Administration Committee, and are scheduled to be on the House agenda Thursday.
