Today marks one year since death of George Floyd, lawmakers self-imposed deadline for police reform bill approaching

Today marks one year since George Floyd was killed at the hands of police, and it comes during the self-imposed deadline lawmakers have set for a police reform bill.

News 12 Staff

May 25, 2021, 10:59 AM

Updated 1,236 days ago

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Today marks one year since George Floyd was killed at the hands of police, and it comes during the self-imposed deadline lawmakers have set for a police reform bill.
Later today, President Joe Biden will meet with George Floyd's family at the White House.
One year ago, George Floyd was killed outside of a convenience store.
He was being arrested by Minneapolis police officers, including former office Derek Chauvin, who is now convicted in Floyd's death.
George Floyd's death sparked outrage and protests around the country, with calls for change and a push to create new policing standards.
Unfortunately, that is not going to happen in time for President Biden's deadline. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was passed last year, but is it still being negotiated in the Senate.
Sen. Cory Booker said, "We're making good progress, hopeful progress. But we still have some work... a lot of work to do."
Key negotiators Sens. Cory Booker, Tim Scoot and Rep. Karen Bass released a joint statement saying, " We are still working through our differences on key issues."
Those key issues including determining the standard for charging police officers with crimes and changing the policy of qualified immunity, so police officers can be sued in civil court.
Democrats say it's about accountability, but Republicans are worried eliminating protections could disincentive police.
Regardless of differences, both sides are optimistic that they are closer to a deal.