In a significant step towards criminal justice reform and addressing the opioid crisis, Washington state lawmakers have achieved bipartisan support to ban the controversial practice of hog-tying by police. The 60-day legislative session, which marked Jay Inslee’s final term as governor, concluded on Thursday with over 300 bills awaiting the governor’s signature. According to Democratic House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, an impressive 80% of these bills received bipartisan support.
With Democrats holding a majority in both the state House and Senate, the Washington state House overwhelmingly approved legislation on Wednesday to prohibit the use of hog-tying as a restraint technique by law enforcement. Hog-tying, the practice of binding a suspect’s hands and feet together behind their back, has long been a subject of concern due to the risk of suffocation and injury.
During the vote, Democratic Representative Sharlett Mena emphasized the dehumanizing and dangerous nature of hog-tying. She highlighted the fact that although many jurisdictions have already banned this practice, it still remains authorized in a small number of areas within Washington state. Mena’s remarks echoed the tragic case of Manuel “Manny” Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man who died in Tacoma four years ago. Ellis was hog-tied by police, and despite his pleas that he couldn’t breathe, he tragically lost his life in the heart of the community.
The passage of this legislation is a significant victory for advocates of police reform and racial justice. The case of Manny Ellis has become a touchstone for demonstrators fighting for justice and accountability in the Pacific Northwest. By banning hog-tying, Washington state takes a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in police custody, particularly those from marginalized communities disproportionately affected by such practices.
The bill, which had already been approved by the Senate, will now return to the Senate for verification before it heads to the desk of Democratic Governor Jay Inslee. Once signed into law, Washington state will join the growing number of jurisdictions across the country that have recognized the need to prohibit the use of hog-tying as a restraint technique.
In addition to addressing police practices, Washington state lawmakers also made strides in tackling the opioid crisis during the busy legislative session. While not all of the progressive bills were successful, the bipartisan support demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to this pressing public health issue. The state’s efforts to address both criminal justice reform and the opioid crisis will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the well-being of its residents and serve as an example for other states grappling with similar challenges.