Rep. Brent issues statement on the one year anniversary of the death of George Floyd

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) issued a statement on the one year anniversary of the death of George Floyd, who was murdered by police on May 25, 2020.

“Now is the time to reflect on the impact of police brutality, and all of the lives that have been taken too soon at the hands of the police. George Floyd was a father, brother, son and friend to many people,” said Rep. Brent. “We need to honor George Floyd’s memory by making meaningful legislative change. This is why I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 20, to urge Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

“The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is an important and necessary bill that would start to address the systemic racism plaguing our nation. We owe it to George Floyd, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, Ma’khia Bryant and countless others to change the system and deliver on the promise of liberty and justice for all.”

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 would address many of the issues surrounding police misconduct. It enhances enforcement mechanisms for violations by law enforcement by lowering the criminal intent standard, limiting qualified immunity and granting subpoena powers to the Department of Justice. It also limits use of force, establishes a framework to prevent racial profiling and creates the national police misconduct registry.