Senators Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee have reintroduced the Innovate to De-Escalate Modernization Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to help law enforcement use non-lethal weapons more effectively, according to the Office of the Senator.
The Innovate to De-Escalate Modernization Act seeks to clarify the difference between less-than-lethal technologies and traditional firearms by creating a category for "less-than-lethal projectile device" and setting up a test to classify these devices. Senator Gallego emphasized, "Giving law enforcement the tools they need to safely de-escalate situations is important to keeping both our officers and communities safe." The bill has been endorsed by law enforcement organizations, including the Arizona Police Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, as reported by the Office of the Senator.
Senator Hagerty has introduced a bill to provide law enforcement officers with non-deadly alternatives to firearms in high-risk situations. He stated, "Our brave law enforcement officers put their lives in danger every shift, and I'm pleased to introduce this legislation that will ensure they have access to the most effective tools to de-escalate dangerous situations." Joe Clure, Executive Director of the Arizona Police Association, supported the bill, emphasizing the importance of innovation for officer and public safety, as stated by the Office of the Senator.
