State House gives vocal approval to chokehold bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri House of Representatives gave Senate Bill 53 initial approval in a voice vote Monday.

The bill features a measure that prohibits law enforcement officers from using a respiratory choke-hold unless deadly force is authorized under the law.

According to the state, a "respiratory choke-hold" includes the use of any body part or object to attempt to control or disable a person by applying pressure to the person's neck with the purpose, intent, or effect of controlling or restricting the person's breathing.

The action on the bill comes as former police officer Derek Chauvin awaits his sentence after being convicted of second and third degree murder in the death of George Floyd. Floyd died after Chauvin pinned his knee on Floyd's neck for about 9 minutes, which some medical experts say resulted in his death.

Missouri's Senate passed the bill at the end of March.

It's sponsored by Missouri Senator Tony Luetkemeyer.

Watch ABC 17 News at 6 a.m. for a live report.