HOUSE
                       3rd Reading Unamended
       April 13, 2015          HOUSE
       Amended 2nd Reading
                      April 10, 2015First Regular Session
               Seventieth General Assembly
                    STATE OF COLORADO
                                                REENGROSSED
                       This Version Includes All Amendments
                       Adopted in the House of Introduction
 LLS NO. 15-0502.01 Michael Dohr x4347   HOUSE BILL 15-1291
                    HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
 Melton,  Buckner, Esgar, Fields, Salazar
 
                   SENATE SPONSORSHIP
 Guzman,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 House Committees
 Senate Committees
 
 
 Judiciary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                         A BILL FOR AN ACT
       Concerning prohibiting the use of a chokehold by a peace
            officer.
       
       
                           Bill Summary
       
            (Note:  This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
       not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
       passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
       applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
       http://www.leg.state.co.us/billsummaries.)
       
            The bill prohibits a peace officer from using a chokehold. The bill
       makes an exception if the officer believes his or her life is in danger.
       
       
       
       Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
            SECTION 1.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 18-3-210 as
       follows:
            18-3-210.  Chokehold by a peace officer - definitions. (1)  A
       peace officer as described in article 2.5 of title 16, C.R.S., shall
       not intentionally use or apply a chokehold to another person.
            (2)  It is not an offense under this section if the officer has
       reasonable grounds to believe, and does believe, that he or she
       or another person is in imminent danger of death or serious
       bodily injury.
            (3)  A peace officer who violates subsection (1) of this
       section commits a class 1 misdemeanor.
            (4)  For the purposes of this section, "chokehold" means to
       wrap an arm around or grip the neck in a manner that limits or
       cuts off either the flow of air by compressing the windpipe or the
       flow of blood through the carotid arteries on each side of the
       neck.
            SECTION 2.  Effective date - applicability. This act takes effect
       July, 1, 2015, and applies to offenses committed on or after said date.
            SECTION 3.  Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds,
       determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate
       preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.