SPLC Action Fund Statement on Republican Bill on Police Reform

WASHINGTON — SPLC Action Fund President and Chief Executive Officer Margaret Huang released the statement below on the introduction of the Justice Act, the Senate GOP police reform legislation by Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.): 
 
“Senator Tim Scott’s bill falls painfully short of what’s needed to create real change in policing. By not banning the use of no-knock warrants or not offering real solutions to holding law enforcement accountable, the bill fails to provide the systemic change that this moment demands.
  
“What’s even more alarming is that the bill increases federal funding to police and does not end qualified immunity — a court-created doctrine that can make it nearly impossible for people to obtain monetary damages against police officers who violated their rights. 
 
“We cannot continue to waste time with ineffective legislation. Now it is the time for Senate leadership to deliver transformative change and bold action. The SPLC stands with our communities in the South to demand meaningful change now.”