Missouri Senate votes to limit use of chokeholds after Governor threatens veto

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Senate has voted to limit when police can use chokeholds, and is now awaiting action from Gov. Mike Parson. If signed by Parson, the bill would allow police to only use chokeholds if they or someone else are in serious danger.

St. Louis Sen. Brian Williams proposed banning police chokeholds following the death of George Floyd. Floyd's death led to calls for police accountability at all levels of government. Former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter for killing Floyd.

 The Columbia Police Department revised its policy on use of chokeholds in October, limiting their use.

The bill defines a chokehold as "the use of any body part or object to attempt to control or disable by applying pressure to a person's neck with the purpose of controlling or restricting a person's breathing."

However, Gov. Parson is threatening to veto the bill, because of a separate provision that would give the legislature the power to issue subpoenas, requiring people to testify before committees. Parson said that would give lawmakers too much power.

Among the many provisions in the legislation is a measure allowing guns in places of worship.

Parson has 15 days to take action on the bill. If he decides to veto it the bill is returned to the General Assembly where a two-thirds vote of both houses is required to override the veto.

The deadline for this legislative session is Friday at 6 p.m. Bills must be passed by this time in order to move to the governor's desk for approval.